
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Landscape Studies 310 introduces students to using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool to inventory, analyze, and present various spatial data. Through lectures, readings, exercises, and hands-on practice students learn the principles of using GIS for mapping geographic inventories, analyzing environmental information, and producing cartographical maps. Technical topics include: acquiring relevant spatial data, geoprocessing vector geometry, georeferencing raster images, mapping GPS waypoints, and symbolizing attribute data. The final project in this course allows students to apply their technical and theoretical knowledge of GIS to their individual thesis or tutorials. Consequently, students completing this course will not only understand the current uses of GIS, but also understand its potential in their individual course of study.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Gain a thorough understanding of GIS techniques for planning, inventory and analysis.
- Learn cartographic map design principles to create maps that communicate well.
- Learn geodatabase design models that maximize the potential for any GIS strategy.
- Identify the potential and limitation of GIS technologies for planning and research.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course students will be able to:
Knowledge
- - Thoroughly understand the techniques and applications of GIS technologies.
- - Have a comprehension of common GIS technical terms.
- - Competently be able to develop a GIS strategy for any mapping initiative.
Processes
- - Capable in gathering spatial information from various sources.
- - Effectively use GIS to efficiently analyze and visualize spatial data to gain new knowledge.
- - Proficiently produce maps that adhere to the principles of good map design.
Skills
- - Proficiently produce maps that communicate well and adhere to the principles of good map
- design.
- - Effectively be able to edit vector spatial data and georeference raster images.
- - Successfully clip, merge, and export feature data.
COURSE PROJECT:
During the course of the semester, students are required to complete a course project which will assimilate the methodology, data gathering, spatial analysis, database design, geoprocessing, geocoding, and cartographic techniques that students have learned in this course. Although this project can vary in topic, it must be able to compare multiple variables and/or spatial phenomenon. This project is not merely a spatial inventory; it is a correlation of variables. The scope of this project is intentionally vague. There are a variety of disciplines represented in this course and the final project should complement the research of the individual student. The basic requirement for this project is that the student is expected to analyze various spatial data to summarize a set of findings that will help future studies or serve as guidance to decision makers.
Coming soon:
• Implementation (changes in pedagogy; use of technology)
• Impact (on teaching and learning)
Home
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.