The course introduces students to fundamental concepts of geographic information systems (GIS). During the course, students will describe GIS concepts, relate them to applied and academic disciplines, and practice applications of GIS technology. ( C/ 3 lect, 0 lab, 0 other)
 

Course Focus

The course will focus on applications of GIS technology to land resources management.
 

Text and References

Text. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems,  DeMers, M. N. (1997). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. N.Y.
 

Contents
Lectures will cover the following topics:

1. Introduction to GIS: a) the concept of GIS, and b) terms.

2. Spatial Analysis:

• spatial awareness,
• spatial elements,
• geographic data collection,
• population and sampling schemes, and
• making inferences from data.

• map as a model,
• map scale and characteristics,
• map projections,
• thematic maps, and
• cartographic process.

• terms,
• computer file structures,
• computer database structures for managing data,
• graphic representation of entities and attributes, and
• GIS data models for multiple coverages.

• input subsystems,
• methods of input, and
• external databases.

• storage of GIS Database,
• simple analysis framework,
• detecting and editing changes,
• dealing with projection changes, and
• joining adjacent coverages.

• terms,
• simple analysis framework,
• defining objects based on their attributes,
• working with higher level objects, and
• sample applications of these concepts.

• point, area, and line arrangement,
• point patterns,
• linear patterns,
• routing and allocation, and
• sample applications.

• need for GIS design,
• the software engineering approach,
• structured design model,
• formal GIS design methodology,
• verification and validation.

• the display of analysis,
• cartographic output,
• map design controls,
• nontraditional cartographic output,
• non-cartographic output, and
• technology and GIS output.

The following list of course goals will be addressed in the course. These goals are directly related to the performance objectives. (*designates a CRUCIAL goal)

1. Know the primary functions of GIS,

2. Understand elementary spatial analysis of data,

*3. Understand data storage, editing, and retrieval techniques,

4. Know different methods of representing data,

*5. Know the different type of file structure and their advantages and disadvantages,

*6. Understand different types of simple graphics,

*7. Know about relationship between various types of data,

8. Understand basic capabilities of GIS,

9. Comprehend relationship between CAD, CAC, and GIS, and

10. Understand the concept of GIS.

 
Student Contributions

The students are expected to study for at least 5 hours every week to read the assigned topics from textbook and handouts. If there is any student in this class, who needs test taking or note taking accommodation, please feel free to come and discuss this with me.

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