GIS II - Topics and Applications
(CRN 21837/Course 06415)
Spring 2009
Wednesday, 6:30pm
John Reiser
Overview
Geographic Information Systems II begins with a review of GIS concepts and capabilities. The course then moves to a consideration of the inner workings of GIS by exploring a sample of raster and vector mode cartographic data structures, and by examining the workings of computational algorithms used in GIS analysis. Finally, the course treats more advanced analysis techniques. Students learn the workings of GIS through leactures, demonstrations, and computer laboratory sessions. Student evaluation is based on performance on examinations and projects.
Office Hours / Open Door Policy
Office hours are by appointment only. I will be available before and after class. I am available through email; I check it often and will typically respond as soon as I am able. I can be available on weekends and willing to spend some set time in the lab if that will help.
Required Text
Longley, Goodchild, Maguire and Rhind. Geographic Information Systems and Science. Second Edition.
(ISBN 047087001X) - Publisher's Site
I will also provide you with laboratory materials required to complete assignments.
Attendance
Mandatory. Attendance will be taken each class and points will be subtracted from your class participation grade.
Cell phones must be turned off during class time. The first offense will be a warning. Each subsequent offense will subtract a point from your participation grade. See me ahead of class if there is an emergency situation for which you need to have your cell phone operational.
Do not IM, email, or surf the net while IÕm talking or when you are in class.
Evaluation
Your final grade will be based on performances in exams, assignments, class participation and project as well.
Article Extra Credit
You have the option of choosing a recent news article related to geography, mapping or GIS and writing an essay (minimum of 1 page, single spaced, 10pt font, 1" margins) on the importance of the topic discussed. Points will be awarded on your ability to explain the topic and tie it back to the course work. The extra credit points awarded will be applied toward your problem sets.
| Date | Theme | Lecture |
Lab |
Readings | What's Due | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 21 | Introduction |  |
 |
Chapters 1, 2 | none |
| 2 | Jan 28 | Representing Geography | |
|
Chapter 3 | Assignment #1 |
| 3 | Feb 4 | No Class - Snowed Out! | Continue working on previous assignment. | |||
| 4 | Feb 11 | No Class | ||||
| 5 | Feb 18 | Data Types and Models/Storage | |
|
Chapters 8, 9, 10 | Assignment #2 |
| 6 | Feb 25 | Nature of Geographic Data/Uncertainty | |
Chapters 4 and 6 | Assignment #3 | |
| 7 | Mar 4 | Georeferencing | |
Chapter 5 | ||
| 8 | Mar 11 | Midterm Exam - Study Guide |
Project Concept Due | |||
| 9 | Mar 18 | Spring Break |
||||
| 10 | Mar 25 | Visualization | |
Chapter 13 | ||
| 11 | Apr 1 | Geoprocessing & ModelBuilder | |
|
Chapter 14 | |
| 12 | Apr 8 | Data Capture & Editing | |
Chapter 9 | ||
| 13 | Apr 15 | Network Analysis | |
|
Chapters 15, 18 | |
| 14 | Apr 22 | Working with GPS | Revisit Ch 9 | |||
| 15 | Apr 29 | Working Session - Prep for Final Project | ||||
| 16 | May 6 | Presentation Session - Final Projects Due | ||||
Additional/Recommended Reading
- Arctur, David and Michael Zeiler. Designing Geodatabases. (ISBN 158948021X)
- Ormsby, Tim. Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop. (ISBN 158948083X)
- Monmonier, Mark. How to Lie with Maps. (ISBN 0226534200)
- Slashgeo - GIS and remote sensing news.
- Directions Magazine - Online magazine with a focus on geospatial technology.
- Digital Urban - Andrew Hudson-Smith's blog on 3D visualization and GIS.
Websites to Check Out
- Geospatial Research Lab
- New Jersey State Atlas
- New Jersey Geographic Information Network
- Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
- Center for Advanced Spatial Analysis
On-Campus Link to 'openarea' - this link will only work on-campus!