A GIS is "an organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information." The goal of this course is to gain a basic understanding of the concepts and issues underpinning geographic information science including the functional components of GIS, spatial data models and structures, management of geographic information, the implementation of GIS, and use of GIS software for solving spatial problems. The course will be divided into lectures and computer lab sessions. Familiarity with the Internet and the World Wide Web will help you in this course.

• Required:
  • "GIS Fundamentals: A first text on Geographic Information Systems" by Paul Bolstad, 2002, Eider Press, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, pp.412. This book is available at the campus bookstore.
• Optional:
  • Clarke, K.C., 1999, Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems. New Jersey, Prentice Hall, 338 pp
  • DeMers, Michael (1999) Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. 2nd Edition. NY :John Wiley.
  • Longley, Paul A; Goodchild, M; Maguire, D; and Rhind, D. (2001) Geographic Information Systems and Science. Wiley: New York.

• Required:
  • The book that will be used for the practical component is "Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" by Environmental Systems Research Inc. (ESRI), 2001.
• Optional:
  • CESRI Virtual Campus and other on-line resources.

The class will meet in Sabin 223. We will first discuss the course readings and then we will do the practical exercises on the computers. You should be able to finish the labs during the assigned time periods but the lab is open at the posted times if you do not finish. The practical exercises provide a way to acquire skills in using ArcGIS software package and to apply the course concepts to real data.

Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of successful completion of the exams, lab assignments, project, and class participation. Each method is explained below.

Reading and homework assignments are given to supplement the lecture materials. Unless changed by the instructor, it is assumed that the student will have completed the assignment prior to coming to lecture on the due date. Several relatively brief homework exercises will be assigned during the semester to ensure that the pertinent procedures and concepts discussed in lecture are understood. Students are expected to work the homework individually and not collectively. Homework turned in after the due date but before the next class will receive 80 percent of the grade. Homework will not be accepted that is more than one class period late.

Three examinations, Exam1, Mid-Term and Final, will be given. Test1 and the Mid-Term Exam will include all materials assigned or presented through the previous weeks. More detailed on exams will be provided in class. The Final Exam will be given during the regular final exam week, at a place and time to be announced. It will include the material covered since the Mid-Term Exam.

Each class is critical to your semester-long learning experience. Your energy in contributing to class discussions, small-group exercises, and presentation will be important. Your grade for class participation will be based on attendance and participation in the group process such as class presentation etc. If students’ participation in class discussions is not satisfactory additional quizzes will be added.

The project is intended to provide a deeper understanding of a GIS application through experience. Students will work individually on lab exercises and individually or in groups of 2 on projects. The project should investigate a particular research problem using ArcGIS and/or other software. The project must be an original piece of work developed for this course. The project will be marked by a set of milestones from data collection, data management, data preprocessing, analysis and modeling, and result presentation. More detailed guidelines and requirements on class projects will be provided in class. Students are encouraged to freely discuss their project ideas with the instructor. During the last scheduled lab period, students will present their project to the class. The presentations can be no longer than fifteen (15) minutes and should use PowerPoint, overheads and/or slides. All assignments should be word-processed, double-spaced, using one side of the paper only with ample margins.

Lab Assignments and Quizzes	30%
Discussion Lead	5%
Midterm	20%
Final Exam	20%
Final Project	25%

Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any suspected or confirmed case of academic misconduct will be reported and pursued in accordance with University regulations.

Students having special needs/disabilities that require accommodations for successful completion of this course must notify both SWT’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) and the course instructor by no later than the end of the first week of classes. The ODS is located at: 213 Student Services Center and the phone number is: 273-2676.