Web-Served Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 

GISC 2459 16868  – Professor Brent Porter

Austin Community College – Spring 2026

Class Meets

Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 6:40 PM in the classroom (rm 2.1526) at ACC Highland.

Contact Information

Brent Porter will be the instructor for Web-Served GIS.

Brent Porter is an Associate Adjunct Professor of the GIS Department. Also worked at University of Texas for the Center for Space Research & Bureau of Economic Development, he has over 25 years of professional programming experience and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) systems and application development experience. He also has extensive experience utilizing information technology in emergency response activities. His professional accomplishments include: implementing the Texas Geographic Network while at TNRIS; supporting the Columbia Shuttle Disaster Response; first response work on Galveston Island during Hurricane Ike; GIS support during Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill through the development of a real-time GIS Web Application; the creation and support of the STEAR Application - a database of vulnerable populations for use by first responders and regional planners for emergencies; and numerous other disaster response applications. During the pandemic he maintained a statewide COVID-19 web app in conjunction with TDEM and UT alongside work on a new data sharing and interactive decision support architecture for real-time modeling. Currently the bulk of his efforts are on building out the Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS) for the General Land Office (GLO). Mr. Porter’s experience as an educator, programmer, project and systems architect, problem solver and technician give him a comprehensive base of knowledge on which to draw. He came to Austin Community College (ACC) in 2010. Mr. Porter gives talks and lectures on GIS application development and implementation at local GIS conferences and at ESRI International Conferences. He won a First Place award for Web Application at the ESRI User Application Fair. He has been recognized in conjunction with TNRIS and ACC for his work as Special Achievements in Geography (SAG) by ESRI. He has a BS from the University of Houston and an MS in Geosciences from Texas A&M University. Mr. Porter’s contact information is listed below:

Brent Porter

GIS Associate Adjunct Professor

Austin Community College

email bporter@csr.utexas.edu and bporter@austincc.edu

office hours

Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 - 4 PM in person in room 1526 or other times by appointment.

Course Description

This course focuses on the delivery of geographic data via the Internet. It includes composition of the map features distributed and introduction to the use of markup languages to customize web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Prerequisites

GEOG 2470 Introduction to GIS or GISC 2420 Intermediate GIS

Course Rationale/Objectives

Web-Served Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the methods and theories of web-served GIS that will allow students to apply GIS knowledge and skills to everyday life and their chosen careers and to apply the course towards a certificate or an associate’s degree at Austin Community College (ACC).

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will learn how to use web markup, styling, and scripting languages to create web-served interactive maps using industry standard GIS web-based technology.

WECM Student Learning Outcomes

The Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) is a web-based inventory of current workforce education courses and outcomes published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board  for Texas public two-year colleges. WECM courses are created and maintained by teams of instructional specialists from Texas college with expertise in the subject areas. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze user requirements and capabilities;
• Use geographic markup languages to customize geographic websites;
• Demonstrate generalization of data for efficient distribution; and
• Create functional websites.

GTCM Student Learning Outcomes

The Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) is an industry model framework published by the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to identify industry-specific technical competencies. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Query spatial and attribute data by location and utilizing query languages;
• Interpret user requirements to select, install, maintain, and license desktop GIS and GIS-related software;
• Interpret user requirements to select, install, maintain, and license server GIS and GIS-related software;
• Implement a GIS project by collecting, creating, assimilating, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data and results that satisfy the project goal;
• Interpret user needs to generate GIS products with a defined purpose, target audience, and appropriate medium;
• Create data, maps, and reports with GIS-industry recognized data standards, cartographic conventions, and reporting methods;
• Practice continuing GIS education utilizing formal instruction; academic, professional, and industry publications; software documentation; online resources; peer professionals; on-the-job experiences; and professional certifications;
• Utilize programming and query languages, scripts, models, and APIs to automate GIS processes; and
• Interpret user requirements to select and implement technology that automates the collection, processing, modeling, analysis, and presentation of GIS data.

SCANS Competencies

The Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) is a commission appointed in 1990 by the Secretary of the US Department of Labor Lynn Martin to develop a list of skills "that high-performance workplaces require and that high-performance schools should produce." By the end of this course, the student will demonstrate the following workplace competencies and foundation skills:

1. Workplace Competencies - Effective workers can productively use:
   1. Resources – They know how to allocate (C1) time, (C2) money, (C3), materials, and (C4) staff
   2. Information – They can (C5) acquire and evaluate data, (C6) organize and maintain files, (C7) interpret and communicate, and (C8) use computers to process information.
   3. Interpersonal skills – They can (C9) work on teams, (C10) teach others, (C11) serve customers, (C12) lead, (C13) negotiate, and (C14) work well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds,
   4. Systems – They (C15) understand social, organizational, and technological systems, (C16) they can monitor and correct performance; and (C17) they can design or improve systems.
   5. Technology – They can (C18) select equipment and tools, (C19) apply technology to specific tasks and (C20) maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
2. Foundation Skills - Competent workers in the high-performance workplace need:
   1. Basic Skills – (F1) reading, (F2) writing, (F3) arithmetic and (F4) mathematics, (F5) listening and (F6) speaking.
   2. Thinking skills – (F7) to think creatively, (F8) to make decisions, (F9) to solve problems, (F10) to visualize, (F11) the ability to learn, and (F12) to reason.
   3. Personal Qualities – (F13) individual responsibility, (F14) self-esteem, (F15) sociability, (F16) self-management, and (F17) integrity.

Required Texts/Materials

No text required. An external USB flash or hard drive with at least 2GB of storage is required. A 4GB is even better. When it comes to GIS, the more storage space, the better.

Instructional Methodology

Lecture will consist of an opening discussion, lecture, lecture exercises, and description of the project assignment relative to the weekly topic. The instructor will be available to assist students with exercises, assignments, and projects during lab.Grading System

Grading is based on the successful and timely completion of the following grading components:

The final grade is based on a total of 100 points and the following grade scale:

Quizzes

Each week’s topic includes an exercise or project and supporting quiz. Quizzes will include 5-10 questions - mostly from the lectures but occasionally from the exercises. Quizzes will be accessed via the course website and can be retaken as many times as desired up to an 80%. Each student will receive a 5-point credit toward the quiz grading component at the start of the semester. Students must complete all quizzes with a score of 80% or better to retain all 5 points. Any quiz with a score of less than 80% at the end of the semester will result in a 1-point deduction from the quiz grading component. Successfully completing and studying the quizzes will improve your test scores.

Tests

There are three subject matter tests that will be administered during class time. Each subject matter test will consist of a number of questions - each test has a different number of questions. Once again, these questions will mostly cover the lecture material but some cover the lab/project materials. Each question is worth 0.5 points. Tests are structured to measure and reinforce overall comprehension. Test 1 will have 24 questions, Test 2 has 26 questions and Test 3 will have 40 questions and it also acts as a final for the class since it has questions from ALL subject matter.

Projects

There will be 6 projects assigned during the semester. Each project will include a problem that must be solved and a description of the final product that builds on the material covered in lecture and lab. The first two projects will include a short list of tasks supported by instructor-led exercise. The following projects will be supported by more general instructions as well as a more open framework to better simulate building your own workflow. Each project will consist of a deliverable and a workflow document describing the work you did. You will be building out code that will build towards a fully functional Web GIS application using the latest GIS ESRI JavaScript API and components. Students will be able to work on project tasks at the end of lecture and/or during lab. The projects are designed to build the skills and confidence required to create real-world web-served GIS applications.

Course Policies

Please see the following course policies regarding attendance, withdrawals, incompletes, scholastic dishonesty, students with disabilities, and academic freedom.

Attendance/Participation

While not a formal grading component, attending class and participating in lectures will influence your assignment, project, and final grades. I will take attendance in case there are any questions about your final grade and commitment to this course. You are responsible for any announcements made in class even if you were not in class that day. Students who miss lectures need to make arrangements to hand in assignments and obtain class related notes, handouts, and announcements.

Students attending class are expected to actively participate in lectures. This means being engaged in lecture, participating in discussions, and responding to the instructor when prompted. Social Internet activities (e.g. email, Facebook) and mobile voice and texting are an impediment to active participation and should only be utilized during breaks.

Withdrawals

The last day to withdraw from this course for the Spring 2026 session is Monday, April 27, 2026. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should they feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. Students are also strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities without penalty.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count toward this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Missed or Late Work

Any missing or late work cannot receive a grade higher than the lowest grade awarded to a student who turned in the same assignment or project on time. Any project turned in late will be penalized 2 points per day.

Incomplete

The instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student is unable to complete all of the requirements for a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Use of Generative AI

1. Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain

conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.

2. Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools

for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning.

3. Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through

learned patterns and data without direct human input.

4. Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and

learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions unless explicitly cited

and discussed.

5. Resources: Guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI will be provided through

designated course materials and office hours.

6. Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the

student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.

7. Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of

academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and

academic review.

8. Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be

made on a case-by-case basis.

Generative AI & Academic Honesty

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and others, are rapidly evolving technologies that have

great potential in all realms of human endeavor, including teaching and learning. They also pose

serious challenges, particularly with regard to academic integrity. At Austin Community College,

the use of these tools in coursework, like any others, is subject to the same standards outlined in

the college’s Academic Integrity policy.

Presenting AI-generated content as your own without proper attribution is considered a violation

of academic integrity. All work you submit must reflect your own understanding and effort. If you use generative AI to help with your work, you must clearly acknowledge how and where it was used. Intellectual honesty is essential to a fair and supportive academic environment.

Individual instructors may set their own expectations and limitations regarding the use of

generative AI tools in their classes, which should be clearly stated in the syllabus. To ensure you

are complying with your course requirements, always consult with your instructor before using AI tools for assignments. Policies regarding the use of AI may vary by instructor; it is contingent on them to state them, and contingent on you to follow them.

To learn more about the college’s expectations around academic honesty, please refer to the

college’s statement on Academic Integrity here and on the specific Academic Integrity Process

website

Scholastic Dishonesty

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at https://austincc.edu/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at the campus where needed. Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. Additional information about SAS is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas.

Safety Statement

ACC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and to agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note that students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s class activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Concealed Handgun

Concealed Handgun Policy: The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://www.austincc.edu/campuscarry.

Use of ACC Email Communications

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail.

Testing Center Policy

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:
 

1. ACC Photo ID
2. Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)
3. Course Number (e.g.,1301)
4. Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)
5. Course Section (e.g., 005)
6. Instructor's Name
    

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/.  

Students and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://irt.austincc.edu/IDS/.

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/.

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/tutoring-and-academic-help.

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

Learn about what’s new at ACC by visiting the GIS@ACC and Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) facebook web pages.

Course Calendar

The course calendar is outlined below. While the instructor reserves the right to change the course calendar as required during the semester; any changes will be discussed and agreed to during class. Students are responsible for any changes to the course calendar made in class even if you were not in class that day. Students who miss class need to make arrangements to hand in assignments and obtain class related notes, handouts, and announcements.

* Denotes test dates or project deliverable due dates. All tests are administered at the beginning of class on the test date. All project deliverables are due at the end of class on the assigned date. 

Land acknowledgment

I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the Indigenous lands of Turtle Island, the ancestral name for what now is called North America. Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the Alabama-Coushatta, Caddo, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Kickapoo, Lipan Apache, Tonkawa and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, and all the American Indian and Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been or have become a part of these lands and territories in Texas

Please view all of the details in the above section

Please view all of the details in the above section

Please view all of the details in the above section