Faculty Syllabus

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 16 weeks

GISC 1411, Section 49449

Instructor: Braniff Davis

1. Section Specific Information
   Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) GISC 1411
   1. Section 49449
   2. Online (ONL): Instruction and testing are fully online without required class times. There is a suggested virtual kickoff meeting the first week of the semester.

1. Instructor Information

Instructor: Braniff Davis

Office hours: Wednesdays, 4-5pm, or by appointment

Office location: Virtual office, via Google Meet

Email: braniff.davis@austincc.edu

Schedule appointments via Calendly: calendly.com/braniff_austincc

The instructor can also be reached via messaging in the class Blackboard site. Students can also use Google Chat, but the best way to communicate is via email.

Instructor Bio:

Braniff Davis has served as an adjunct professor with ACC GIS since 2022, teaching Intro to GIS, Intro to Geospatial Data, and Data Acquisition and Analysis. In his full-time job, he serves as the Senior Geospatial Analyst with the Austin Fire Department’s Wildfire Division. There, he uses GIS to analyze the city’s wildfire risk, uses drone mapping to analyze prescribed fire ecological impact, and helps educate and prepare the public for wildfires in Austin. 

Overall, Braniff has worked in GIS for over twenty years, in both the public and private sectors. He has done everything from analyzing the flooding impacts of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, to building DFIRM maps for FEMA, to creating indoor GIS datasets at the Las Vegas Airport. He studied Geography in undergrad at the University of Georgia, and wildfire meteorology in graduate school at San Jose State University. 

1. Course Description
   1. Credit Hours: 4
      Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
      Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3
   2. Catalog Description: Introduction to basic concepts of vector GIS using several industry specific software programs including nomenclature of cartography and geography.
   3. Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.
       
2. Course Rationale/Objectives
   1. Introduction to GIS is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the methods and theories of spatial analysis that will allow students to apply GIS knowledge and skills to everyday life and their chosen careers, to apply the course towards a certificate or an associate’s degree at Austin Community College, and to prepare them for success in upper division courses in GIS at other institutions.

1. Course Prerequisite(s)
   1. None
       
2. Student Learning Outcomes
   1. 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:

• Explain basic concepts of using GIS in mapping the earth in spatial terms and populating the GIS's system to access data 
• Create and access data in the GIS's system using an appropriate software package 
• Develop and print maps with industry standard legends 
• Operate industry standard GIS packages on a personal computer 
• Capture positional and attribute information with correct and accurate geographic referencing 
• Convert geographic information among several coordinate systems 
• Acquire GIS's system information from databases, existing maps, and the Internet 
• Annotate output for finished maps, documents, and reports.

1. 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:
   • Edit, query, convert, rectify, georeference, project, transform, geoprocess, validate, import, export, backup, and archive data while utilizing file and data standards and assuring quality. 
   • Query spatial and attribute data by location and utilizing query languages. 
   • Implement a GIS project by collecting, creating, assimilating, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data and results that satisfy the project goal. 
   • 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.
2. 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:
   • 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) interprets 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.
   • 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.
         

1. Required Texts/Materials

There are no required textbooks.

Readings assigned will be available in electronic format for free via the course website and Internet. Most lectures include an assigned reading that should be completed before lecture. Students should come to lectures prepared to discuss the reading assignment.

All students will use ACC email, Google Workspace apps. and ArcGIS Pro 3.5.2 GIS software to complete demonstrations, exercises, projects, quizzes, and tests - see Installation Steps. Classroom students will have access to a workstation with ArcGIS Pro, high-speed Internet, and dedicated server storage space. Online students are required to have the following:

A desktop or laptop computer capable of running ACC provided ArcGIS Pro - see System Requirements;

A reliable Internet connection;

An external USB flash or hard drive with at least 2GB of storage; and

Web camera, microphone, and speakers.

If you do not have one or more of these, please contact the instructor to explore ACC resources for possibly acquiring any missing items.

1. Instructional Methodology

This course is taught asynchronously online with a combination of lecture slides, demonstrations, videos, quizzes, tests, and projects.  Students will complete the lab work using an ACC lab workstation or their own computer. Students should expect to spend an average of 6 hours per week attending lectures, working on labs, completing assignments and projects, and studying.

Course materials and communication are available on ACC’s Blackboard website (http://acconline.austincc.edu) In order to log into Blackboard, you will need your ACCeID.  Your ACCeID will consist of the first letter of your official first name followed by your 7-digit ID number and can be found on your ACC ID Card.

ArcGIS.com is to access maps, apps, and tools along with creating content and submitting work.  ArcGIS Online provides a common platform to find, share, and organize geographic content and to build GIS applications. It is a web resource hosted by ESRI, the company that makes ArcGIS software - the GIS software you will be using in this course and throughout your academic program at ACC. More information and details are available on the course website.

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

1. Distance Education (for online and hybrid courses only)

ACC distance education courses are every bit as academically challenging as on-campus courses, but many students discover that there are also unique challenges to online education. Common challenges that distance students encounter include lack of self-motivation, inability to focus, trouble maintaining accountability, being disorganized, inability to effectively communicate, poor time management, and failure to balance your educational and personal commitments.

You must be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize your course workload in order to meet deadlines and stay on track with your coursework. Successful students are self-starters who understand the commitment and discipline required to thrive in an online environment. You must ask questions when you do not understand something. Contact your instructor right away; otherwise, there is no way for your instructor to know that something is wrong.

Students will access the Blackboard learning management system to gain access to lecture and lab materials and to read assignment instructions, submit assignments, and collaborate.
 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?  

It is the capability of computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving.

How is AI used in Education?

It revolutionizes learning through personalized instruction, adaptive technologies, and automated administrative tasks, but also presents challenges to equity and academic integrity.

Is AI allowed in this ACC Course?

It may be used in this course, except for tests.

How is AI used in Geographic Information Systems?

It is becoming an increasingly integral part of GIS software by automating analysis and predictive modeling. However, it is still just your “assistant,” and you, the GIS User, are still in charge. You must be very aware at all times what you are doing :)

Note that there is still much we do not yet know about AI, whether in education, GIS, or other areas. So, stay tuned, or ask questions if you have them.

1. Student Technology Support 

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.
 

1.  Grading System

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

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

IMPORTANT: Passing with a “C (70)” or better is also a PREREQUISITE for all other GIS courses. 

Lab Exercises

Lab exercises are designed to apply the concepts and techniques discussed in lecture. The instructor will be available to assist students with the exercises and discuss their practical application. Completing the exercises will improve your skills and make you more proficient in completing the quizzes, tests, and projects.

Lab Exercises are used in Competencies 1-3. There are none for Competency 4.

There are TWO LEVELS for students to choose from:

Level 1: Less challenging

Recommended for most (but not all) CAD, Geospatial Engineering, and Emergency Management majors to learn GIS fundamentals and satisfy those Program credit requirements.

These standard Lab Exercises were developed by Esri, the developer of ArcGIS software.

Level 2: More challenging

Highly recommended for GIS majors to better prepare for future courses AND for GIS-related professionals to apply skills on the job.

These custom Lab Exercises were developed by the ACC GIS Dept.

Both options provide opportunities to do an additional assignment (which includes the other Level’s Lab Exercise) for Extra Credit. In either case, “proof of completion” is required for a credit grade of “100”. 

The Lab Reference Guide accompanies the Lab Exercises and Lecture material. This is optional reading material, but highly recommended. This document also includes a Knowledge Check to reinforce what you’ve learned. It is self-graded with Answers provided in a separate document. 

All Lab Exercises (and Quizzes) have Due Dates every two weeks! Your grade will either be “100” if you completed it, or a “0” if you did not.

Lab Projects

Lab Projects are designed to build on the skills learned in the Lab Exercises and apply them to real-world problems. There is one Lab Project for Competencies 2, 3, and 4. There is no Project for Competency 1.

Quizzes

Each Topic includes a Quiz. Quizzes include 10 questions: 5 are more concept-oriented associated with the Lecture, and 5 are more skill-based related to the Lab work. Quizzes will be accessed via the course Blackboard website and can be retaken as many times as desired – up until their respective due date, every two weeks. Quizzes are structured to measure comprehension of the weekly lecture and lab exercises. Completing and studying the Quizzes should improve your test scores.

Tests

There will be 4 Tests, one after each Competency. The fourth will be comprehensive; in other words, a final exam. Each test contains a balance of lecture-oriented questions and lab questions. Tests are structured similarly to Quizzes to measure and reinforce overall comprehension.

Participation

Participation is graded with a combination of Orientation assignments, Discussion Board activity, a Mid-term Journal, and the Course Evaluation at the end of the semester. 

Course Schedule: 16 Week Course (CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR DUE DATES)

INTRO TO GIS, SPRING 2026

1. Course Policies

Attendance/Participation: Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Withdrawal: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.   

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

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. For example, if the lowest grade for all projects submitted on-time is 80%; then a student who submits a perfect project after the due date would receive an 80%.
 

Incomplete: An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

College Policies

Please refer to https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies or the link in Blackboard for ACC’s college policies including Statement on Academic Integrity, Student Rights & Responsibilities, Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements, Student Complaints, Statement on Privacy, Recording Policy, Safety Statement, Campus Carry, Discrimination Prohibited, Use of ACC email, Use of the Testing Center, and Student Support Services.

Please see the 'Course Requirements' section for the full syllabus for this course.

Please see the 'Course Requirements' section for the full syllabus for this course.

Please see the 'Course Requirements' section for the full syllabus for this course.