Skip to main content
Photo of a student studying in a library

Course Description


Geography - GEOG 225

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - GIS

4 Credit Hours
4 Lecture Hours

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts through in-class discussions and hands-on assignments using ArcGIS. The course includes theory, mapping techniques, data collection and compilation and data analysis. Topics include implementation of a GIS, current applications, legal issues and the future of GIS.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

  • None.

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Provide examples of the analysis GIS can perform.
  • Explain the relationships among a GIS, computer assisted cartography (CAC) and computer assisted drafting (CAD).
  • Explain the difference between data and information.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the basic hardware and software components of a GIS.
  • Summarize the issues involved in creating a GIS project.
  • Explain why data standards are an important issue in GIS.
  • Explain, with examples, how an improved spatial or geographic vocabulary improves your perception of the world.
  • Explain the relationships among nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio scales of data measurement and give examples for point, line, area and surface features.
  • Display spatial and tabular data.
  • Edit spacial and tabular data.
  • Create presentation maps and charts.
  • Explain the difference between topological and nontopological data models.
  • Explain how databases are linked to GIS.
  • Explain how remotely sensed images are imported into GIS.
  • Predict some of the problems that might be encountered when conducting data analysis with GIS.

Course Schedule

Currently no sections of this class are being offered.

Key: Day of the Week

  • T = Tuesday
  • R = Thursday
  • S = Saturday
  • X = Sunday