Discipline: Computer Information Systems (Geographic Information Systems) Degree Credit  [ ]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geographic Information Systems 1


COURSE DESCRIPTION
1 Introduction to Geographic Info Systems Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including the history of automated mapping. The course will present an in-depth review of the necessary hardware and software elements used in GIS. Various applications of GIS technology used in the natural and social sciences, business and government will be presented. The course includes a hands-on component in using the hardware and software elements of GIS. Emphasized will be vector-based data structures and an introduction to raster-based structures using current GIS technology software. Specific topics will include hands-on experience in the use of map scales, coordinate systems, data sources and accuracy, data structures, working with spatial data, map features and attributes, map overlays, manipulation of data base; creating of charts and graphs; and presentation of data in map layouts. 54 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Fundamentals of (GIS) and uses in natural/social sciences, business, and government including hands-on experience.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
  1. Compare and contrast conventional mapping technology to GIS automated technology.
  2. Apply and use basic cartographic principles to produce maps.
  3. Produce maps for use in interpreting geographically referenced data.
  4. Understand what spatial analysis is and how GIS can be used in scientific, business and government applications.
  5. Recognize the two basic GIS data structures (raster and vector).
  6. Manipulate both raster and vector data structures
  7. Use the basic functions of GIS software to input data.
  8. Know how to overlay and produce maps combining the two basic GIS data structures.
  9. Use tabular data to analyze, manipulate, and construct charts and graphs using GIS.
  10. Use data bases to understand how to use GIS software to prepare and present map layouts.

 
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1.   This introductory course provides a background of the history from map making through current mapmaking and Geographic Information Systems.
  2.  A general survey of the vast array of GIS applications in fields of science, business and government.
  3.  Basic Software and Hardware Requirements for GIS
  4.  Introduction to Cartographic Principles; including consideration of Map Layout, Coordinate Systems, Map Scales and Projections
  5.  Creating Maps Using GIS using Vector and Raster data structures and the advantages and limitations of each.
  6.  Data considerations including the acquisition of data, characteristics, accuracy, precision and manipulation
  7.  Use of GIS software and development of maps and working mapping including the topics of:   Map Themes, Creating Maps, Labeling and Annotating Maps,  Adding Tabular Data to Maps,   Adding Locations to Maps as Points, Charting Your Data, Creating Shape Files, Address Geocoding, Choosing Map Projections
  8. Experience and use of GIS software in Spatial Analysis  to conduct  Spatial Analysis and working with Spatial Data to Measuring distance, Measuring Area, Setting Map Projections, Changing Scale of a View, Setting Scale Thresholds for Themes, Single and Multiple Layer Operations and other spatial data query.
  9.  Data management within GIS working with tabular data fields and records, modifying and adding fields, analyzing fields and records.
  10.  Presenting information in charts, graphs and generating complete map layouts.
  11.  Creating your own themes from existing shape files, editing shape files and creating theme attributes. 
  12.  The advantages and challenges of using GIS in decision making model versus real world.

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures/discussions in order to assist students in achieving the learning outcomes by reviewing relevant course content.
  • Perform assigned lab activities in order to expose the student to situations/problems which reinforce lecture presentation material.
  • Show videos/films/slides/handouts in order to give the student a better feeling of exposure to activities within industry and related fields.
  • Field trips to selected sites in order to give the students an experience the applications of the course concepts of design as applied in the professions and industries using GIS technologies.
  • Develop and assign problem solving tasks and activities in order to assist the student in achieving learning objectives and by offering for students opportunities to develop a variety of solution methods to specific problems, while providing individualized learning opportunities.
  • Off site meetings at selected locations in order to provide students the experience of seeing GIS course content in use.
  • Create and assign pair and small group activities such as preparing an analysis of a given composition using the relevant course content. A competition format may be used in this process. This is done in order to help students achieve outcomes by stimulating individual participation in group activities.
  • Invite or visit guest lecturers in order to bring current industry experience directly into the classroom and help students attain objectives through direct interface with active professionals.
  • Develop and assign web-based/web-enhanced tasks and activities in order to assist the student in achieving learning objectives by offering opportunities to interact with other students online, while also providing individualized learning opportunities.

 
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Individual and small group projects are evaluated based on the standards that would be applicable to success in the field or professions employing these skills.  Project Content, Student Accuracy and Procedures of producing the final product is evaluated within the context of the assigned problem and time allotted.
  • Oral reports and visual presentations designed to demonstrate student achievement of course learning objectives.
  • Laboratory projects are designed to evaluate their ability to properly apply the GIS concepts and use the related software and present their understanding of the concept learned in class.
  • Final notebook evaluation is designed to demonstrate student’s overall achievement of course learning objectives and to have students organize and demonstrate their understanding of the course learning outcomes.  This is an organized notebook and oral presentation by the student.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Ormsby, Napoleon and Burke. Getting to Know ArcGIS – Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo Updated for ArcGIS 9. 2 ed. any: ESRI Press , 2004.
  • Keith C. Clarke. Getting Started With Geographic Information Systems. 3 ed. New : Pretice-Hall , 1997.
  • Breslin, Frunzi, Napolean, Ormsvy. Getting to Know ArcView GIS . 1 ed. Redlands: ESRI Press, 1998.
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