Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Continuing Education; July 6-29, 2004
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday
in NET 307

PREREQUISITES:

Basic familiarity with maps and computer proficiency are recommended.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

Introduction to GIS as a decision-support system using spatially-referenced data.  Provides practical experience with GIS applications using ArcGIS ArcView 8.3 software.

COURSE PURPOSE:

The primary goal is to provide an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS--this acronym is always pronounced as three separate letters: G I S, never as the word "gis" ). This includes an introduction to the concepts, hardware, software, and operations of computer-based, decision-support systems involving the integration and analysis of spatially-referenced data (information that includes location) in a problem-solving context. The data, and, therefore, the types of problems that may be addressed, can involve information about the physical environment, the human environment, or both. The course overviews concepts and applications of GIS including data capture, storage, analysis, and display. A significant component of the course will be to develop skills with a vector-based, desktop (microcomputer) GIS, ArcGIS ArcView 8.3, in order to learn fundamental concepts and then to solve spatial analysis problems using these GIS concepts.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES:

Each student will be expected to:

1. Use fundamental map concepts such as projections, scale, datums, and coordinate systems to create spatially-referenced databases.
   
2. Be able to manipulate spatial data within ArcGIS ArcView to produce base and thematic maps.
3. Acquire skills in utilizing GIS software to acquire and digitize original geographic data from various digital sources such as DOQs (digital orthophoto quads).
   
   

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

Required Textbook
Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc (ESRI).  Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop:  Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo.  Redlands, CA:  Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., 2001.

Required Supplies
Each student will need to have at least one 3.5" HD, IBM-formatted diskettes.


INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

The teaching and learning strategies employed in the course include in-class lecture and discussion; assigned readings in the textbook and on the WWW;  data gathering using the WWW; in-class, group problem-solving; and lots on hands-on experience using ArcGIS ArcView 8.3 software. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for personal assistance as needed. Students are also encouraged to work and study in pairs and groups both inside and outside of class.  Students should obtain their "first exposure" to the conceptual content of the course by reading the textbook and assigned readings before coming to class.  While some content will be introduced and/or reviewed in class lectures, most of the in-class time will be spent "processing" the conceptual information via discussion, analysis, and practical applications.  The course will meet two times per week. Each class session will be conducted in a computer lab (NET 307) where the appropriate software will be installed. The software is installed on 23 computers in NET 307 and on two machines in NET 213 (far southeast corner cubicle).

Course Outline and Reading/Tutorial Assignments

Topic	Reading & Tutorial Assignments*	Date
Introduction to GIS	http://www.gis.com/whatisgis/index.html Chapters 1-2, GTKArcGIS;	Week 1
Spatial Data   ~ Fundamentals	Readings (see below)	Week 1
~ Coordinate Systems	http://www.Colorado.EDU/geography/gcraft/notes/coordsys/coordsys_f.html	Week 1
~ Projections	http://www.Colorado.EDU/geography/gcraft/notes/mapproj/mapproj_f.html	Week 1
ArcView 8.3 Basics	Chapters 3 & 4, GTKArcGIS	Week 1
Symbolizing spatial features	Chapter 5 (pages 83-114), GTKArcGIS	Week 2
Geodatabases	Chapter 14, GTKArcGIS	Week 2
Creating Spatial Features	Chapters 15 & 16, GTKArcGIS	Week 2
Presenting Spatial Data	Chapters 18 & 19, GTKArcGIS	Week 2
Data classification	Chapter 6, GTKArcGIS	Week 3
Managing &  Querying Spatial Data	Chapters 8 & 9, GTKArcGIS	Week 3
Analyzing  Spatial Relationships	Chapters 10 & 12, GTKArcGIS	Week 3
Specific Applications	Job-related applications	Week 4

* Readings in the Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop textbook are denoted as GTKArcGIS. 

ADA COMPLIANCE:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations, please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.