12/21/2024 9:02:49 AM	GIS 40 Course Outline as of Fall 2015	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  GIS 40	Title:  INTRO TO GIS
Full Title:  Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Last Reviewed:2/24/2020

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		8 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	5.00			Contact Total	87.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

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:

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 Windows O.S. and Microsoft Office is recommended.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

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 Windows O.S. 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:	Transferable	Effective:	Spring 2009	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2009	Inactive:
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:

1.  Define the elements of a geographic information system (GIS)

2.  Describe the applications of GIS for different disciplines

3.  Create a GIS using image, geographic and database information

 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will 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 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

Lectures will cover the following topics:

1) Introduction to GIS

    a)  the purpose and scope of a GIS

    b)  GIS data sources: image, geographic and database information

    c)  GIS terminology

2. Spatial Analysis

    a) spatial awareness

    b) spatial elements

    c) geographic data collection

    d) population and sampling schemes

    e) making inferences from data

3. 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

4. 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) GIS data models for multiple coverages

5. GIS Data Input

   a) input subsystems

   b) methods of input

   c) external databases

6. 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

7. 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

8. Spatial Arrangement

   a) point, area, and line arrangement

   b) point patterns

   c) linear patterns

   d) routing and allocation

   e) sample applications

 9. 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

10. 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

Assignments:

1. Textbook reading (1-2 chapters/week)

2. Weekly lab assignments

3. GIS mapping project

4. Midterms (2)

5. Final exam

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 - 0%
None
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 30 - 50%
Weekly lab assignments
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 30 - 50%
GIS mapping project
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 20 - 30%
Two mid-terms, final exam: multiple choice, completion, true-false, short answer
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 0 - 0%
None

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY. DeMers M.N. (2008 classic)

GIS Fundamentals, P. Bolstad; Eider Press, 4th edition, 2012

Introductory Geographic Information "Systems, Jensen and Jensen;  Prentice Hall, 2012

Instructor prepared materials

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