• Computer: Capable of running the software ArcGIS Pro 3.2. See the following for system requirements: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/3.1/get-started/arcgis-pro-system-requirements.htm NOTE: You CAN NOT use a SMARTPHONE and a Chromebook to do this class.
• Textbook: Not Required.
• Three areas of practical exercises:  
  • Exercises embedded in each lecture note.
  • Exercises in the Lab Exercises. 
  • Chapter Quizzes: 10 questions - 5 from the lecture and five from the exercises. It can be retaken as many times as desired.
  • Tests: Three subject-matter tests and one cumulative test. Tests are NOT open-book or notes. Each test consists of 20-25 questions: covering the lecture material and the exercises. The cumulative test consists of ~ 40 lecture and exercise questions.
  • Projects: A total of four projects designed to build the skills and confidence required to complete real-world applications using GIS. Each project will include a work breakdown structure (i.e., a list of tasks) and a description of the final deliverable that builds on the material covered in lectures and exercises.

• There is no required Text Book for this course, as it is a Zero Textbook Cost
• Lecture Notes
• Supplementary Notes

Topic 1 - Introduction to GIS

Performance Criteria

1. Describe what GIS is.

2. Identify how GIS is used.

3. Identify elements of GIS software interface.

4. Add and interact with GIS map layers.

Topic 2 - Mapping Information

Performance Criteria

1.      List the principles of envisioning information.

2.      Explain the value of maps.

3.      Differentiate between thematic and reference maps.

4.      Explain what a definition query is and how it is used.

5.      Select intuitive class breaks using GIS.

6.      Create choropleth, graduated/proportional, and density maps.

 Topic 3 - Cartography

Performance Criteria

1.      Describe the role of purpose, audience, and medium in the GIS workflow.

2.      List common external and internal map elements.

3.      Organize and arrange map elements to reinforce purpose.

4.      Explain how visual hierarchy can improve understanding.

5.      Create maps using cartography and GIS.

 Topic 4 - Attribute Queries

Performance Criteria

1.      Explain what a geodatabase is.

2.      Explain what Structured Query Language (SQL) is and how it is used in GIS.

3.      Construct SQL statements to execute standard database queries.

4.      Create statistics and summarize attributes in GIS.

5.      Join two tables using a common unique ID.

Topic 5 – Spatial Queries

Performance Criteria

1.      Compare and contrast attribute and spatial queries.

2.      List common types of spatial queries.

3.      Execute standard spatial queries.

4.      Calculate geometric attributes for features.

5.      Join two layers using their spatial relationship.

 Topic 6 - Coordinate Systems

Performance Criteria

1.      Explain map datums, coordinate systems, and projections.

2.      Differentiate between geographic and projected coordinate systems.

3.      Select coordinate systems using GIS.

4.      Differentiate between an absolute and relative scale.

5.      Select a scale with an intuitive divisional unit using GIS.

Topic 7 - Geoprocessing

Performance Criteria

1.      Identify different models for representing geospatial and tabular data.

2.      Differentiate between discrete and continuous data.

3.      Explain how geoprocesses prepare data, analyze data, and model processes.

4.      Explain what the geoprocessing environment is.

5.      Describe what the geoprocessing framework is.

6.      Perform geoprocessing using GIS.

Topic 8 - Vector Data

Performance Criteria

1.      Describe how vector points, lines, and polygons are structured.

2.      Differentiate between nodes, pseudo nodes, and vertices.

3.      Describe the workflow for editing vector data using GIS.

4.      List different types of vector networks and explain how they are used.

5.      Edit vector features and attributes using GIS.

Topic 9 – Tabular Data

Performance Criteria

1.      Identify basic structure and data types for tables stored in a GIS.

2.      Identify common tabular formats used in a GIS.

3.      Explain RDBMS, cardinality, join vs relate, and normalization.

4.      Create a table and associated fields.

5.      Create vector locations from geocoding an address table.

Topic 10 – Spatial Analysis

Performance Criteria

1.      Differentiate between geoprocessing and spatial analysis.

2.      Explain how the analytical process is used in GIS.

3.      List and explain different ways to analyze spatial relationships.

4.      Describe characteristics of quality and how they can affect your analysis.

5.      Create metadata.

6.      Perform spatial analysis.

Topic 11 – Raster Data

Performance Criteria

1.      Identify basic raster structure and value types.

2.      List common raster formats.

3.      Compare and contrast the terms raster and imagery.

4.      List different ways to symbolize raster data.

5.      Create a density raster.

6.      Perform a raster analysis.

Topic 12 – 3D Data

Performance Criteria

1.      Identify basic 3D structure types.

2.      List common 3D formats.

3.      View and navigate 3D data.

4.      Perform 3D analyses.

5.      Create a 3D visualization.

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define GIS in the context of geographic studies.

• Describe scale, map projection, and coordinate system and explain the importance of each in GIS

• Differentiate between vector and raster data models and explain their appropriate use.

• Describe the types and characteristics of GIS data capture, data storage and database management.

• Differentiate, describe, and apply attribute analysis and spatial analysis.

• Produce effective maps of analytical results which adhere to established cartographic standards.

• Demonstrate proficiency with GIS software.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR (Subject to Change)