Prerequisite: None. Microsoft Windows application experiences, basic math knowledge will help.
Course Credit: 3 (UG)
Required Materials:
1. Textbook
Author Bradley A. Shellito
Title – Introduction to Geospatial Technologies
Optional Materials for extra reading materials:
Textbook
Author Clarke, Keith
Title: Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, ISBN: 9780131494985
Geographic Information Systems and Science by Longley, Goodchild, Maguire, and Rhind, New York :Wiley
Course Purpose:
The course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the basics of geographic information (including Remote Sensing and GPS) and using GIS as a tool in another area.
Course Description:
(From undergraduate bulletin) – A survey of geographic data sources including maps, photos, digital images, Census information, and others. Emphasis is on appropriate uses, limitations, and skilled interpretation in physical and human geography applications.
Besides lecture, Geog370 also has a lab recitation. Students will use ArcGIS 10 (GIS software from ESRI) to apply concepts/methods discussed in class.
Students who require assistance/accommodations due to special needs or disabilities are expected to inform instructors and provide the appropriate documentation from the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Disability Services at the beginning of the course.
Course Objectives
1. Understanding GI(Geographic Information) concepts and theories (History and evolution of Geographic Information, Map projections, Data models, etc.)
2. How to use remote sensing data? Role of RS in Geographic Information Systems.
3. Introduction to GPS as an important data source for GIS.
4. Discussing and applying spatial analytical methods to real problems. Learning basic functions of GIS software, using ArcGIS10. (Displaying data, creating maps in ArcGIS, querying maps and performing basic spatial analysis with GIS, etc.)
5. Web/Internet GIS applications will also be discussed.
Grading:
Midterm – 25%
Labs – 20%
Final Exam – 30%
Attendance and class participation – 10%
Mapping Project – 15%
After the second week, students will be divided into groups (2-3 each group). The group will be used for (1) GPS data collection lab (2) USA Facts Mapping Lab (3) Preparing a course related question for each class, the question will be answered by instructor either during class time, or after class. This will be evaluated as part of your course participation performance. Each group is also required to present an interesting GIS application/news at the beginning of one class.
