Intro to GIS Applications

Dale Easley

Syllabus

Spring, 2009

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a means of linking databases with computerized mapping tools. Therefore, one must learn the basics of creating maps and databases, methods of collecting geographic data, and software applications for linking and analyzing them.

In order to achieve these objectives, the course will have two in-class tests (25% each), a final project (25%), and a laboratory (25%). The purpose of the tests and project will be to evaluate your grasp of material covered in the text, in lecture, and in lab. The laboratory assignments will be posted on the web site and are intended to develop skills and understanding needed to apply GIS techniques to environmental problems.

The text which we will use is by Ormsby and others, Getting to Know ARCGIS, 2nd edition, 2004, ESRI Press, ISBN1-58948-083-X. It has a CD with it that has a 120 day license to for ARCGIS, the most common GIS software in the field. You may use this own you personal computer. In the computer lab in Goldthorpe, we have ARCGIS installed already and will use that for our labs. Important dates for reading assignments and tests as follows:

• Maps and Mapping: Chapters 1-7.
  You are responsible for completing each of the exercises in the book in these chapters.
  Test 1: Feb 17th
• Geodatabases: Chapter 8--17.
  You are responsible for completing each of the exercises in the book in these chapters.
  Test 2: April 2nd.
• Integrating data and maps: Chapters 18 and 19.
  You are responsible for completing each of the exercises in the book in these chapters.
  Final project: due at exam time.

This syllabus, assignments, review questions for the text, and a course outline are available on the web at

In order to do well in this course, you will need to do the following things:

• Attend class. Generally, lectures and labs are as important as readings from the text. The lectures will highlight important points from the text and incorporate additional material. Missing class more than three times will result in a lowering of your final grade by one letter grade.
• Do assignments on time. Any problems with turning things in should be discussed before the assignment is due. Except in rare cases, I will not accept late assignments, and if I do, they will be penalized at least 10% per day.
• Use the websites. I will regularly post information necessary for the class.
• Come see me if you need help. I have office hours on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 3:00-5:00pm, University Science Center (Goldthorp) 204. If the office hours do not fit your schedule, call for an appointment, 589-3639 or at my home, 556-1108. However, the best way to reach me is through email, deasley@dbq.edu.
• Be enthusiastic. I hope you'll enjoy this course. The environment is a hot topic (no pun intended), and there's plenty to learn.

Course Administrative Information

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this semester you should be able to do the following:

• Gather spatial data using a GPS unit.
• Gather and map elevation data.
• Distinguish between raster and vector maps and data.
• Create a simple geodatabase.
• Quantify natural resources.
• Use ARCGIS for assisting in the solution of spatial problems.
• Engage in serious and quality discussions about character and ethics, especially as pertains to stewardship of the environment.

Attendance:

So that you may most efficiently achieve the learning goals of the course, your presence at all class sessions is necessary. Knowing that we all sometimes have good reasons for falling short of this expectation, I have instituted the following attendance policy: absences from class will lower your final grade after you have accumulated three (3) unexcused absences. Please speak with me if you have any questions about what constitutes an unexcused absence.

Cheating:

Read carefully the section on Academic Dishonesty in the UD Student Handbook. You are responsible for adhering to the University's standards for honesty in your academic work.

Academic Success Center:

The Academic Success Center for the University of Dubuque is located on the second floor of the Myers Library. The phone to the Center is 589-3262. This center can assist you in developing basic academic skills and can provide tutoring referrals. Please contact your instructor to discuss Academic Success Center services that might assist you in achieving course outcomes.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

The University of Dubuque expects students to be honest in academic matters. We expect each person on campus to be forthright and direct, and to value integrity in all his/her dealings. Activities and attitudes should be consistent with high academic standards and Christian commitment and should be consistent with the Mission and Values of the University. (University of Dubuque Student Handbook, 2006). Please see the "Values Violations" section of the UD Student Handbook for appropriate definitions, procedures and possible sanctions related to Academic Dishonesty ((http://www.dbq.edu/studentlife/pdf/200607UDStudentHandbook.pdf)

Subject to Change Clause:

This syllabus, course calendar and other attending documents are subject to change during the semester.

Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Statement:

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify me during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course. Late notification may cause the requested accommodations to be unavailable. Confidentiality of all requests will be maintained. All requested accommodations must be approved through the Academic Success Center, 2nd floor Myers Library (589-3262).