SYLLABUS

Class:  MW 12:50-1:45, Maxwell Hall 110

Labs:   F 9:35-11:35 and 11:45-1:45, Eggers 014

 Instructor: Prof. Jane Read                                                      Teaching Assistant: Mike Schramm

Eggers 533; Voice 443–4279                                                      Eggers 048

jaread@maxwell.syr.edu                                                            mrschram@maxwell.syr.edu

Office hours:  M 3:00-5:00, or by appointment                             Office hours: W 11:30-12:30 in GIA lab

Mailbox: Eggers 144                                                                  Mailbox: Eggers 152

 

Course Description

This course is designed as an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS).  The overall goal of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to understand the uses and limitations of GIS, and conduct typical GIS operations and analyses.  We will use ArcGIS Desktop software (ESRI, Redlands, CA) as the primary software package in the course, but other programs will also be demonstrated.  Students should complete the course with the necessary knowledge to enable them to extend their learning to a variety of applications and software environments, and prepare them for more advanced training in GIS.  The purpose of this course is NOT to teach students to become experts in using ArcGIS software.  Students only interested in learning how to drive ArcGIS software should not take this course.

The course will introduce the basic principles of GIS.  Specific course objectives are to i) introduce operations and analytic functions of GIS, ii) demonstrate the varied applications of GIS, iii) provide hands-on practical experience with a leading GIS program, and iv) provide an overview of current issues relating to GIS.

Topics to be covered include an introduction to GIS and applications; geographic representation; spatial data; georeferencing; spatial data modeling, including raster, vector, and surface models; methods of data input and editing; attribute data management; data analyses; and developments and the future of GIS.

There are no prerequisites to this course.

 Course structure and conduct

Course activities will include two class sessions and one laboratory session each week.  Lectures will focus on clarifying readings and applying principles.  Laboratory exercises and individual project assignments are designed to give students experience using ArcGIS Desktop software and implementing GIS projects.

Each week students will be required to do the assigned readings and work on laboratory exercises and assignments outside of scheduled class times.

Course information (up-to-date class outline, assignments, readings etc) will be posted on the course web page.  Students are responsible for checking the page regularly.  

Textbook and required readings

Required text: Geographic Information Systems and Science by P.A. Longley, M.F. Goodchild, D.J. Maguire, and D.W. Rhind, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.  Available in the SU bookstore.

Optional text: Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop by Ormsby, Napoleon, Groess and Feaster.  2001.  ESRI Press, Redlands, CA.  This is a useful guide to ArcGIS software.  There is a copy of this book in the lab that can be borrowed on short term from the lab manager.

Readings from the required text as well as supplementary materials will be assigned.

 Assignments and grading

            This is a cross-listed course.  In addition to different term project requirements, graduate students will be required to perform at a higher level than the undergraduates.  Graduate students are encouraged to do their final project on their thesis/area of interest.  All students are expected to turn in assignments by the specified deadlines.  Valid excuses will be required for all late submissions. 

• Lab reports: 30%
• 2 quizzes (30 minutes each): 15%
• Final exam: 15%
• Term project and presentation: 30%
• Participation: 10%

 Attendance

Students are required to attend all class and laboratory sessions.  Students are also required to show up and leave on time.  More than two unexcused absences, and/or frequent late arrival/early departure to/from class will result in points being deducted from the final grade.

GIA Laboratory (014 Eggers)

Lab sessions will take place in the Geography Department’s Geographic Information and Analysis (GIA) laboratory.  An electronic lock restricts access to the lab.  Students enrolled in the course will be given access to the lab via their student ID card at the beginning of the semester, which will permit access at any time.  Access to the Eggers building, however, is restricted in the evenings and on weekends.  If a new ID card is issued the instructor must be notified of the new number to reissue access.

Mr. Brian von Knoblauch manages the GIA lab.  Any problems with the equipment or setup of software should be directed to Mr. Knoblauch via email (bevonkno@maxwell.syr.edu) or in person during his work hours (hours are posted in the lab).  Refer to the GIA lab web page http://classes.maxwell.syr.edu/gialab for information on hardware, software, and lab classes schedule.  Please observe the rules for using the GIA lab. 

Academic honesty

            Students are expected to comply with the Academic Standards policy, as specified in the Syracuse University Academic Rules and Regulations document.  The document can be accessed online from the Syracuse University web page.  Non-compliance will result in a zero for the assignment and serious cases may result in the student failing the course. 

Disability

Students with a certified physical or learning disability should notify the instructor as soon as possible.

  

Syllabus subject to change.                                                                                                               January 28, 2003