GEOS 2943 - Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences I

• Explain basic GIS terminology such as raster, vector, layer, shapefiles, etc.
• Import, store, and manage geographical data from a variety of sources.
• Organize layers, including such tasks as layer activation, hierarchy, and manipulation of layer display properties to optimize visual effect.
• Find and query spatial data by location and non-spatial data by attribute.
• Create and analyze new data by creating spatial relationships between multiple datasets.
• Display results in a variety of formats, including map, report, and graph.
• Utilize skills to create a GIS product for analysis of local problems, as a final group project.

• Students can use computers proficiently.
• Students can achieve mathematical literacy

• Map projections and coordinate systems.
• Raster and vector data and the essential differences between the two.
• Symbolizing and classifying features for optimum map display and analysis.
• Creating subsets from the database through attribute and location queries.
• Generating new data sets through combining existing data layers (geoprocessing).
• Digitizing and editing new map features and their attributes.
• Producing quality presentation maps from templates and other resources.
• Exploring and utilizing the growing capabilities of cloud GIS.

Learning activities

• ourses must, at a minimum, cover the core learning outcomes for each topic. Faculty may add to these outcomes, but may not omit any of them.
• Final project in addition to exams and homework.

Assessments

• As part of all students’ final exam, learners will use GIS software and NWACC desktop computers to produce a multi-layered map whose layer properties (color, transparency, symbols, etc.) are dictated by a set of ten instructions selected and approved by GIS faculty.

Grading guidelines

• A minimum of 50% of the grade should originate from activities which demonstrate student ability to perform common geospatial operations using GIS software.