Geographic Information Systems-Raster

GEO 4330 - 01 Fall, 2009

Lab supplies: Flash Drive.

Final Exam: TBA - Final Exam Schedule

Course Objectives:

This course is designed to advance students' knowledge in the rapidly developing field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS provides a means of integrating information in a way that helps us understand and address pressing problems we face today, such as tropical deforestation, rapid urbanization, spread of diseases, and impacts of climate change. Important principles and concepts of GIS will be expanded upon beyond the GEOG 3230, using a raster-based GIS, instead of the vector based used in GIS 3230, the "Introduction to GIS." Emphasis will be placed on concepts and spatial reasoning of the analysis techniques, rather than simply providing skills training in the use of a GIS packages. By the end of the course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of GIS development, functionality, methodology for implementing this technology, and its potential useful in geographic and environmental studies.

Prerequisites: Students should have completed GEOG 2230 Cartography, and GEOG 3230 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. If you lack these prerequisites, please talk with Instructor before enrolling. Prior familarity with Windows XP and file management is very important.

Course Format:

The objectives in this course will be attained through a series of readings, laboratory exercises, and student papers/projects. Work done on lab exercises and individual projects be done on your own.

Grading:

2 exams - Midterm (100 points) and Final (150 points)
1 project (200 points)
Assignments and Labs (100 Points)

Grading Chart:

Labs:

Labs are in Otts 127. Each lab assignment will be allotted one week from the time that it's handed out. There will be a sign-up sheet to reserve a computer for lab use (if necessary), otherwise it's first come, first serve. Having all your labs and data on a flash drive will allow you to work at any machine that's available.

1) - There will be a sequence of 12 lab assignments using IDRISI Kilamanjaro 14.02 and Cartalinx 1.2.

2) Project: An individual project is to be completed by each student using the GIS techniques learned throughout the semester to address a particular problem of interest to the student.  Student will select a research problem and project area, collect & enter geographic and tabular data, and perform GIS analysis to obtain a solution to the research question. A paper (minimum of 8 pages) is to be completed and should detail the problem, explain why GIS is an appropriate tool to achieve a solution, discuss the system(s) being used, and evaluate the system(s) and the data used in the solution. Project presentations will be given during the last two class periods. A project proposal is due BY October 15 so start thinking now. As soon as you have a project, you can begin building your database.

For reference, look over the link http://www.gps.caltech.edu/gislab/tools/arcinfo/arcinfo.html#Tutor when you need to.

The following is an old schedule and set of reading assignments for you to use as a guide only. The labs will be handed out weekly.