SRJC Course Outlines

3/28/2024 8:41:18 AMGIS 40 Course Outline as of Summer 2022

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  GIS 40Title:  INTRO TO GIS  
Full Title:  Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Last Reviewed:2/24/2020

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum4.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum4.00Lab Scheduled3.008 min.Lab Scheduled52.50
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total6.00 Contact Total105.00
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 210.00 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  GIS 50

Catalog Description:
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The course introduces students to fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include elements of GIS, data structures and their management, introductory input and output functions and mapping possibilities. Hands-on exposure to GIS technology through the use of computers and current industry standard software is provided during the laboratory. A working knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office is recommended.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
The course introduces students to fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include elements of GIS, data structures and their management, introductory input and output functions and mapping possibilities. Hands-on exposure to GIS technology through the use of computers and current industry standard software is provided during the laboratory. A working knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office is recommended.
(Grade Only)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Spring 2009Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2009Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Define the elements of a Geographic Information System (GIS)
2. Describe the applications of GIS for different disciplines
3. Create a GIS using raster image, raster surface, geographic and database information
4. Perform basic geoprocessing software steps to answer geographic questions
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. List the primary functions of a GIS.
2. Understand elementary spatial analysis of data.
3. Define image, geographic and database methods of representing data.
4. Describe the differences between Computer Aided Design (CAD) and GIS.
5. Use different types of graphic symbols.
6. List and identify different file structures and their advantages and disadvantages.
7. Describe data storage, editing and retrieval techniques used in a GIS.
8. Create a GIS using image, geographic and database information.

Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to GIS
    A. the purpose and scope of a GIS
    B. GIS data sources: image, geographic and database information
    C. GIS terminology
II. Spatial Analysis
    A. spatial awareness
    B. spatial elements
    C. geographic data collection
    D. population and sampling schemes
    E. making inferences from data
III. Maps as a Model of Geographic Data
    A. map as a model
     B. map scale and characteristics
     C. map projections
     D. thematic maps
     E. cartographic process
IV. Cartographic and GIS Data Structures
    A. terms
    B. computer file structures
    C. computer database structures for managing data
    D. graphic representation of entities and attributes
    E. vector data models
    F. raster data models
     G. GIS data models for multiple coverages
V. GIS Data Input
    A. input subsystems
    B. methods of input
    C. external databases
VI. Data Storage and Editing
    A. storage of GIS database
    B. simple analysis framework
    C. detecting and editing changes
    D. dealing with projection changes
    E. joining adjacent coverages
VII. Elementary Spatial Analysis
    A. terms
    B. simple analysis framework
    C. defining objects based on their attributes
    D. working with higher level objects
    E. sample applications of these concepts
VIII. Spatial Arrangement
    A. point, area, and line arrangement
    B. point patterns
    C. linear patterns
    D. raster surfaces
    E. routing and allocation
    F. sample applications
IX. GIS Design
    A. the need for GIS design
    B. the software engineering approach
    C. structured design model
    D. formal GIS design methodology
    E. verification and validation
X. GIS Output
    A. applications in different disciplines
    B. cartographic output
    C. map design controls
    D. nontraditional cartographic output
    E. non-cartographic output
    F. technology and GIS output
 
All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course.

Assignments:
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Lecture-Related Assignments:
1. Textbook reading (1-2 chapters/week)
2. Written assignment(s) (0-4)
3. Midterms (2-3)
4. Final exam (0-1)
5. Final presentation (0-1)
 
Lecture- and Lab-Related Assignments:
1. Weekly lab assignments
2. Weekly data exploration and mapping assignments
3. GIS mapping project

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
0 - 15%
Written assignments
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
40 - 80%
Lab assignments, data exploration and mapping assignments, GIS mapping project
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
20 - 30%
Mid-terms, final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 15%
Final presentation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY. DeMers M.N. (2008 classic)
GIS Fundamentals, P. Bolstad; Eider Press, 6th edition, 2019
Introductory Geographic Information Systems, Jensen and Jensen;  Prentice Hall, 2012 (classic)
Instructor prepared materials

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