GEOG 215: Introduction to GIS

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Class Program

Geography

Credits

Weekly Contact Hours

Course ID

235402

Meets Degree Requirements For

Social Science

Description

Introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which display, store, edit, and analyze spatial information. Topics will include data input, management, and manipulation to create maps and perform spatial data analyses using ArcGIS. Previous GIS experience is not required, but students must be proficient with Windows OS.

Grading Basis

Graded

Course Learning Outcomes

Understand the core concepts and functions of geographic information science & systems (GIS).

Utilize basic GIS analysis for answering spatial questions using the scientific method.

Understand the structure of spatial data including file associations, attribute tables, metadata, coordinate systems and projections.

Understand how to create and share GIS data developed from a range of sources including shapefiles, GNSS (GPS), KML (Google Earth), and digitization.

Demonstrate proficiency with desktop GIS (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, or equivalent) and ArcGIS Online; and be able to describe the differences among the applications and uses of each.

Produce maps that appropriately display the outcomes of spatial analysis and communicate the results using proper cartographic conventions.

Core Topics

Basic cartography (map making)
Geospatial data models (vector, raster)
Coordinate systems (UTM, State Plane, GCS (i.e., Lat/Long))
Data collection, transfer and storage
1. Digitizing
2. Data collection using GNSS (e.g., GPS)
3. Exchange formats including shapefile and KML
4. Storage formats (TIFF and geodatabase)
GIS Applications: How to answer geospatial questions using:
1. Joins, relates, tabular queries
2. Spatial operations and overlays
3. LiDAR and other high-resolution raster data (i.e., satellite)
4. Point interpolation methods (optional, but recommended)
GIS Applications and how they relate to one or more of the following:
1. Social justice or sustainability
2. Natural resources management
3. Public health