.Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

GIS 111 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Section D1 2-2-3


Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy necessary (if you do not have basic skills, CIS070 will give you the foundation needed for this course)

Instructor: Pete Kennedy

Phone: 828.254.1921 x289

Office: Balsam 102

Email: pkennedy@abtech.edu

Office Hours: M/W 10am – 12noon

T/TH 11:30am – 12noon

Skpe: kennedy.pete


My Webpage: http://kennedy.pete.googlepages.com


GIS Cert Webpage: http://geospatialtechnology.blogspot.com



COURSE DESCRIPTION


This course provides an introduction to the field of geographic information systems (GIS). This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of GIS. The students will learn basic GIS functionality through hands on experience with a selected GIS package. The course will include lectures, class discussion, assigned readings, and hands on exercises.

TEXTBOOK(S)

Lecture: GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems. Second Edition. Paul Bolstad. College of Natural Resources. University of Minnesota – St. Paul. Eider Press. Copyright 2005. ISBN: 978-0-9717647-1-2

Lab: Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop. Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo. Second Edition updated for ArcGIS 9. ESRI Press. Copyright 2004. ISBN: 1-58948-083-X – THIS BOOK WILL BE USED IN THE SUBSEQUENT CLASS – GIS 121 ALSO – KEEP FOR NEXT SEMESTER


This document provides errata for people who want to perform the exercises in Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, Second Edition using ArcGIS Desktop version 9.2 software. The errata include changes to the user interface and changes to exercise instructions. A few exercises have been replaced in their entirety because software changes necessitated extensive modifications to exercise steps or workflows.

COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to do the following:

  1. Explain Geographic Information Systems in layman’s terms.

  2. Define GIS.

  3. Describe several application of GIS

  4. Solve problems involving spatial reasoning.

  5. Outline a history of GIS.

  6. List and describe the major components of ArcGIS.

  7. Utilize the Coverage, Shapefile, and Geodatabase spatial data formats to represent real-world phenomena.

  8. Describe other data formats used in GIS.

  9. Describe spatial data models.

  10. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of vector and raster data structures.

  11. Compare and contrast geographic and projected coordinates.

  12. Describe properties of commonly used map projections: Conical, Cylindrical, Planar

  13. Describe properties of common coordinate systems: State Plane Coordinate System, Universal Transverse Mercator.

  14. Create map symbology that communicates quantitative data.

  15. Create map symbology that communicates categorical data.

  16. Use tables within a GIS.

  17. Perform attribute queries

  18. Perform spatial queries.

  19. Solve problems by comparing data sets.

  20. Describe commonly used map overlay functions.

  21. Create an effective map.

  22. Create data using data entry methods: Geocoding, Digitizing.

  23. Modify data utilizing data editing techniques.

  24. Use the Geodatabase including creating, importing data, creating rules and validation.

  25. Conduct a limited GIS project including compiling data, analyzing data, presenting data.


GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES:
1. Communicate effectively in speaking, writing, reading and/or listening.
2. Locate, evaluate, and use information to analyze problems and make logical decisions.
3. Apply math skills and/or natural science knowledge appropriately to organize, analyze and make information useful.
4. Demonstrate basic competency in computer technology.
5. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a self-directed learner.
6. Apply critical thinking skills in analyzing the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic or philosophical factors that influence personal development.

SUPPLIES REQUIRED
Software: ArcGIS 9.2 (180 day ArcView license comes with the lab book for this course).

Hardware: USB Portable Flash Drive – 2 Gigabytes minimum recommended.


Computer capable or running ArcGIS or willingness to do all outside work in school lab. The recommended system requirements for ArcGIS from ESRI are a Pentium computer with a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and approximately 700 MB of free disk space. My personal experience is that you need to double that amount of RAM to 1 Gigabyte – at least.



METHODS OF EVALUATION:
ABTCC is committed to providing you with training that will aid in the development of your technical and critical skills. During the course you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a variety of ways including traditional written tests, hands-on performance, and completion of projects and lab assignments which simulate real world working situations. As part of your learning experience, you will research topics of interest to you in emerging computer technologies.


Final Grading
You will be assessed on the following on a 10 point grading scale.

Test 1 (Ch's 1-3) -15%
Test 2 (Ch's 4, 6-8) -15%
Test 3 (Ch's 9-11) -15%

Test 4 (Ch’s 12 -15) – 15%
Lab Quizzes -10%
Labs / Map gallery- 10%
Blogs / Journals  - 10%
Final Project - 10%

Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is necessary in order for you to receive the maximum benefit from your education and to develop professional work habits of responsibility, dependability, and self-direction which are all highly valued by employers in today’s competitive workplace.

The College’s attendance policy will be followed. You may be dropped from the class after your absences exceed 20% of the class meetings. Please notify the instructor of your absence. You may leave a voice mail message. If it becomes necessary for you to withdraw from class, you must bring the appropriate form for the instructor to sign.
For more information, see the Student Handbook, p. 38 or http://www.abtech.edu/Student_Services/regulations/attendance.asp


Student Conduct

Students are expected to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct.
For more information, see the Student Handbook, p. 34 or on the web at http://www.abtech.edu/Student_Services/regulations/stuconduct.asp



Tests and Assignments - Make-up Policy


No missed test will be excused unless you inform your instructor before the test. Voice mail is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; therefore, you will be expected to make this effort. Employers expect you to attend work regularly, so do we.

Late assignments are discounted 25% and will not be accepted later than 1 week after the due date.

Grammar / Spelling / Typos:

Always make sure to check your spelling and grammar using Microsoft Word, http://www.dictionary.com, or a traditional dictionary. Always take the time necessary to ensure you do not have typos and other errors in your assignments.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! Now is the time to start building positive habits when preparing documents for others to review. This is important in school and even more important in other parts of life such as work.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

You may not deceive any official of the college by cheating on any assignment, exam, or paper. This includes plagiarism, which is the intentional theft or unacknowledged use of another’s words or ideas.   Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to) paraphrasing or summarizing another’s words or works without proper acknowledgement, using direct quotes of material without proper acknowledgement, or purchasing or using a paper or presentation written or produced by another. The faculty at A-B Tech may also consider presenting as original work a paper written for one class to satisfy a requirement in another class to be academic dishonesty.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law in 1990. The Disability Services Office ensures that the programs and facilities of the college are accessible to all students.  The College focuses on the student as an individual and works toward equal opportunity, full integration into the campus environment, physical accessibility and the provision of reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services to students.

For more information, see: http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/disability/default.asp

TOBACCO

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is committed to providing students and employees with a safe and healthy environment.

It is the policy of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College that tobacco use is not permitted on A-B Tech’s campuses. A-B Tech is tobacco-free.

COMMUNICATION

Keeping open lines of communication is very important. Make sure I know what’s going on so I can do my best to foster and learning environment in the lab and outside.


How to approach this class:


This is a 3 credit class. That is equal to 4 student/teacher contacts per week (2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours equal the 3 total credits). You should expect to spend 1 – 2 hours outside of class for every lecture hour put into normal classroom time in order to master this material. This time estimate depends on student’s prior computer skills and knowledge of the subject matter. If you are having problems or get behind, contact me immediately and let me know. Communication between the instructor and student is key to everything we do. If I don't know anything is wrong, I can't help.



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