Data Acquisition and Analysis in Geographic Information Systems

Associate Professor Christian T. Hartnett, GISP

Course Information

Course: Data Acquisition and Analysis in Geographic Information Systems – Online
Credit Hours: 4 (3 lecture + 3 lab per week)
Course Platform: Blackboard, ACC Email, ArcGIS Online
Prerequisites: Introduction to GIS

Instructor Contact Information:

• Email: christian.hartnett@austincc.edu (must use ACC email)
• Office Hours: By appointment via Google Hangouts. Responses within 24 hours.

About the Instructor:
Christian Hartnett, GISP, has 8+ years teaching GIS at ACC and serves as VP of Practice Technology at SWCA Environmental Consultants. Background includes BA in Classics/Archaeology (UT Austin), MS in GIS for Archaeology (UCL), GIS Certificate (Texas State), MBA (LSU Shreveport), MS in Data Science (in progress - Eastern University).

Course Description

This course examines geographic information management, system life cycles, costs/benefits, and institutional considerations. Students will learn GIS applications for data modeling, analysis, and project-based problem solving using ArcGIS and complementary tools such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

Required Texts / Materials

• ArcGIS Pro 3.6.x capable PC (no Mac; Windows emulator may work) – Esri System Requirements
• Reliable Internet & ACC email
• USB drive ≥ 4GB
• Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access
• Suggested, not required: PMBOK Guide, 5th Edition

Instructional Methodology

• Asynchronous online lectures, slides, videos, quizzes, exercises, and projects.
• Lab work completed independently with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software.
• Estimated effort: 8 hours/week.
• Some weeks may include tutorials or ungraded exercises.
• Students must complete Introduction to Quiz: Course Policy and Syllabus with a 100% before continuing onto Comp 1. Introduction to Quiz: Course Policy and Syllabus allows for unlimited attempts to score 100%.

NOTE: The professor of the course reserves the right to adjust the schedule, assignments/quizzes/tests at their discretion. Additionally, the professor reserves the right to reschedule weekly office hours, make-up office hours will be posted.

Course Schedule – Spring 2026

Projects:

• Austin Project: Weeks 1–4
• Arlington Project: Weeks 5–9
• Routing Project: Weeks 10–17

Grading / Evaluation

Grade Scale:

• A: 90–100
• B: 80–89
• C: 70–79
• D: 60–69
• F: 0–59

Quizzes:

• Open-book, open-note, unproctored.
• Unlimited attempts; average score used for grade calculation.

Tests:

• Open-book, open-note, unproctored.
• Only one attempt per test.
• Two tests total (Week 4 & Week 9).

Projects:

• Austin Project (Weeks 1–4), Arlington Project (Weeks 5–9), Routing Project (Weeks 10–17).
• Build GIS skills, analysis, and project presentation.

Final Exam: None

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain metadata, data infrastructure, and data evaluation.
2. Collect, analyze, and query geographic data.
3. Use GIS in decision making and project execution.
4. Design a data acquisition project using proper datums, coordinate systems, and projections.
5. Develop, analyze, and present GIS projects with real-world applications.

Policies

• Scholastic dishonesty, Title IX, ADA accommodations, and safety policies per ACC standard.
• Distance Learning Expectations: Self-motivation, time management, and accountability.
• Technology Requirements: Reliable internet, ACC email, PC capable of running ArcGIS Pro 3.6.x, USB storage, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access.

Student Support & Resources

• Blackboard: Course materials, assignment submission
• ACC Learning Labs: Free tutoring http://www.austincc.edu/tutor
• Library Services: Online 24/7 access, Ask a Librarian http://library.austincc.edu
• Mental Health / Crisis Resources: ACC Counseling Services https://students.austincc.edu/mental-health-counseling/  512-472-HELP (4357)

Required Texts / Materials

• ArcGIS Pro 3.6.x capable PC (no Mac; Windows emulator may work) – Esri System Requirements
• Reliable Internet & ACC email
• USB drive ≥ 4GB
• Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access
• Suggested, not required: PMBOK Guide, 5th Edition

Instructional Methodology

• Asynchronous online lectures, slides, videos, quizzes, exercises, and projects.
• Lab work completed independently with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software.
• Estimated effort: 8 hours/week.
• Some weeks may include tutorials or ungraded exercises.
• Students must complete Introduction to Quiz: Course Policy and Syllabus with a 100% before continuing onto Comp 1. Introduction to Quiz: Course Policy and Syllabus allows for unlimited attempts to score 100%.

No textbook is required. All reading will be as assigned by professor.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain metadata, data infrastructure, and data evaluation.
2. Collect, analyze, and query geographic data.
3. Use GIS in decision making and project execution.
4. Design a data acquisition project using proper datums, coordinate systems, and projections.
5. Develop, analyze, and present GIS projects with real-world applications.

Policies

• Scholastic dishonesty, Title IX, ADA accommodations, and safety policies per ACC standard.
• Distance Learning Expectations: Self-motivation, time management, and accountability.
• Technology Requirements: Reliable internet, ACC email, PC capable of running ArcGIS Pro 3.6.x, USB storage, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access.

Student Support & Resources

• Blackboard: Course materials, assignment submission
• ACC Learning Labs: Free tutoring http://www.austincc.edu/tutor
• Library Services: Online 24/7 access, Ask a Librarian http://library.austincc.edu
• Mental Health / Crisis Resources: ACC Counseling Services https://students.austincc.edu/mental-health-counseling/  512-472-HELP (4357)