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Background
wall paper is the GIS plot of Council Rock School, PA tax for each parcel in
1999
ENV-205: Introduction to Geographic
Information Systems, Spring 2008
Instructor Dr. Hongbing Sun
Office: 323C
Office Hour: Mon. 10:20-11:20,Tue & Thurs:10:15-11:15 AM. Other times by appointment.
Office
phone: 609-896-5185. E-mail: hsun@rider.edu
Objectives
The course will provide students the experience in creating, manipulation, managing, analyzing, and presenting spatial information using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Additionally, students will gain experience in applying GIS capabilities to investigate environmental and social issues.
Course Description
This course introduces the computer-based concepts and skills of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It covers the GIS concepts such as map characteristics and projections, spatial data models, relational databases, and spatial analysis. It explores sources of data, data quality and metadata, implementation and management of GIS projects. Hands-on experience with ArcGIS is provided through a series of exercises completed by students in the course. Students will be taught how to process both vector and raster data using ArcGIS 9 software. The course will support disciplines of natural science, business, and social studies that require spatial information.
Class Format
The class will meet once a week for three hours. Lecture will focus on the conceptual basis of GIS analysis, introducing concepts and principles needed for effective GIS use. The in-class exercises will provide students practice in using ArcGIS 9 software in a problem-solving environment.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course.
Tentative Class Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction to ArcCatalog and ArcMap.
Browsing GIS files, metadata in ArcCatalog folder. ArcMap environment
Week 2 - Map projections, coordinate systems.
Maps and their characteristics, coordinate systems. Map in ArcMap. Adding and removing layers, dock and undock toolbars and buttons..
Week 3 - Working with tables.
Types of data, relational database. Database and attribute tables for features and Images. Data fields
Week 4 - Attribute and spatial queries, and query language.
Query from attribute table, definition, wildcard, and overlay queries. Advanced calculations.
Week 5 - Spatial Joins
Feature joins and table join, types of data conversion add thematic layers, map overlay, graduated colors, and symbols.
Week 6. - Basic Editing in ArcMap
Vector, Raster and TIN data models. Dot, line, polygon, cell and grid.
Week 7 - Continuing editing features in ArcMap and ArcToolbox
Map scale, layout. ArcTool, conversion and accuracy change.
Week 8 - Creating map in ArcMap
Create dot, line, polygons, and labels. Switching layers, and multiple data frame, save layers and project. Polygon-on-polygon overlays and geoprocessing.
Week 9 - Geoprocessing
Separate and
integrated data. Intersect,
Week 10 - Geocoding and address matching
Managing geocoding services, and process. Geocoding table of addresses, finding, matching and rematching addresses.
Week 11 - Spatial filters & buffers
Using theme as a spatial filter, hammer tool. Create buffers from attribute tables. Buffer tables, and queries.
Week 12 - Raster Analysis.
Raster display, pyramid and georeferencing. Grid files and reclassing a grid. Digitial elevation grid (NEM files) using Spatial Analyst.
Week 12 - Creating custormized maps
Students design and create a database and thematic maps
Operations on the customized map. Query, filter and buffer.
Final Exam: May 2, Friday
1:30-4:30 PM
Grading Policy
The final
course grade is based on a set of applied course projects, in-class exercises,
homework assignments, and a final exam. The weight percentages are:
In-Class Exercise
and Projects: 75% (each class project + exercise counts ~ 7 (75/11) points). Unless instructed otherwise, all late
assignments will be penalized 10% per day. Attendance 5%.
Final Exam: 20%.
My grading policy is as follows: A range >90, B range
80-89, C range 70-79, D range 60-69, F range <60. "Borderline" cases will be judged
individually, based on grade improvement, demonstrated effort and class
participation, etc.
Price, M., 2007, Mastering ArcGIS,
(3nd ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Optional
Reference Book
Bolstad, P., 2005, GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on
Geographic Information Systems (2nd ed.), Eider Press.
Attendance Is Required.
Regular attendance
makes a big difference in the final grade received. The material in this class
is cumulative. If you miss a day, you may find that you are lost during the
next lecture. Three unexcused absences will result in a drop of your final
score by 5 points. Excessive unexcused absences will likely result in a grade of F (due to
unfinished projects). Excuses for absence will be granted for approved athletic
participation, approved field trips, a certified serious illness, death in the
immediate family and military examinations. Absence from class, no matter what
the reason, does not grant the student a chance to make up the in-class
exercises. Instructor′s permission for
withdrawal will be given only for exceptional circumstances. Make-up projects
are generally NOT ALLOWED for unexcused absence.
Note: In order to be excused for
an absence, you must have documentation to validate your excuses. For example,
if you are sick, you need a doctor′s note to show me. If
your car broke down, you need a slip from the towing company or your mechanics.
Cheating: Academic
integrity is highly valued at Rider. Students caught cheating for a project
will be given a "zero" for that project. Repeated offender will be
given an F for the course.