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

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geographic Information Systems 21


COURSE DESCRIPTION
21 Global Pos Syst (GPS) Field Techniques Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): GIS 1: Introduction to Geographic Info Systems
A course in the basic use of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit in the field. The course will include an introduction to the terminology, hardware, and technology used in GPS. Instruction will include the fundamentals of operating a hand-held GPS unit. The course will introduce the basic techniques used in the determination of location and completion of a traverse using a GPS unit and a topographic map. It will also explain how GPS data can be used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
A course in the basic use of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit in the field. The course will include an introduction to the terminology, hardware, and technology used in (GPS).
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will 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.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Use and understand the basic terminology associated with GPS.

Define what hardware is needed for different GPS applications.

Find locations on a topographic map using a hand-held GPS.

Enter and use way points and routes.

Make a simple traverse using GPS and a topographic map.

Distinguish the ways a GPS can be used in conjunction with GPS.

Define how a GPS works.

Determine the accuracy and errors in location data acquired using a GPS.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. What is a Global Positioning System (GPS)
    1. Development of GPS Technology
    2. Basic Technology use in GPS
      1. Satellite Systems
        1. United States
        2. Russian
      2. Satellite Signals
      3. Hand-held GPS Units
        1. Simple units –low cost
        2. Complex units – medium to high cost
    3. GPS Date Use
      1. Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
        1.  Routing
        2. Location of Map Features
  2. Basic Principles of How GPS Works
    1. Hand-held GPS Operations
      1. Satellite Signal Acquisition
      2. Determining Location
      3. Direction of Travel
        1. Selective Availability (SA)
          1. Government Degradation for Civilian Use
        2. Atmospheric Interference
        3. Internal Clock Accuracy
        4. Differential GPS
          1. Base Station Signals
          2. Basic Topographic Map Terminology and Use as Applied to a GPS
      4. Map Coordinate Systems
        1. UTM
        2. Latitude and Longitude
      5. Map Datum
      6. Map Scale
      7. Map Contours
      8. Declination
        1. A Compass versus a GPS
  3. Hand-on Use of a GPS – Field Exercise
    1. Find Location
      1. Horizontal
      2. Vertical
      3. Accuracy
    2. Sorting and Retrieving Data
    3. Making a Traverse
      1. Way points
      2. Routes

 
 
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:

1. 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.
2. Oral reports and visual presentations designed to demonstrate student achievement of course learning objectives.
3. 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.
4. 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:

  • Steede-Terry, Karen. Integrating GIS and the Global Positioning System. 1 ed. any: ESRI Training & Education, 2000.
  • M. Kennedy. The Global Position System and GIS: An Introduction. any: Taylor and Francis, 2002.
  • 3. B. Davis. GIS a Visual Approach. 2 ed. Santa Fe: Onward Press, 2001.
  • Laboratory Supplementary Material. The instructor will prepare customized laboratory projects and data sets.
  • Laboratory Supplementary Material. The instructor will prepare customized laboratory projects and data sets.
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