January 12: GIS as an Integrating Technology: An Introduction to
Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
|
||
| Topics: | Introduction to course. GIS as an integrating research technology including basic GIS concepts and definitions. Consider GIS in comparison to other application software used in geography and the social and natural sciences. Introduction to first project. Distribute software. Overview of laboratory resources, access, and use. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: No Class or Lab
|
||
| |
We will miss a week of lab due to next week's holiday. In lieu of lab,
please complete one or both of the following activities: 1) Go through the ArcMap Tutorial available online at http://sitelic.colorado.edu/esri/docs/Using_ArcMap_Tutorial.pdf The data you will need for this tutorial can be downloaded from Z-disk of the computers in the KESDA (GUGG 6): Z:\Geog Files\Foote\ArcTutor\Map Copy the entire \Map subfolder to your memory stick. 2) Go through the online training Module 1 of "Learning ArcMap Desktop". Go to the "Create a new ESRI Global Account" page at ESRI. Create your account, then go to my training. Use the access code I have provided to "start a new course" and register for "Learning ArcMap Desktop". There are two versions of this course, one for ArcMap 9.0 and 9.1 (don't take this course) and one for ArcMap 9.2 and 9.3. The data you need for this exercise can be downloaded from the online module. I would suggest registering for the online course because you will benefit from going through some of the other modules in the course. Additionally, we will use another ESRI course to learn about map projections and coordinate systems. |
|
January 26: Using GIS to Explore and Visualize Data: Queries, Searches, & Basic Thematic Mapping
|
||
| Topics: | ||
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
February 2: Cartographic Communication, Visual Variables, Map Design &Data Visualization |
||
| Topics: | Analyze how GIS databases model real-world phenomena and processes. Compare the raster and vector models of organization geospatial information and various methods for structuring attribute data. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
February 9: Principles & Pitfalls of Statistical Mapping: Data Classification & Ranging
|
||
| Topics: | Introduction to thematic cartography applied to first maps. Overview of cartography as a form of visual communication. Definition of audience and theme. Overview of general principles, composition of map elements, and visual hierarchy. Experiments with point symbols and color. Problems of realizing goals with automated systems. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
February 16: Database Concepts & Models
|
||
| Topics: | Overview of issues relating to demographic mapping: statistical generalization, classification, and symbolization. Overview of problems of data classification and of strengths and weaknesses of various methods. Perform experiments with area patterns and further tests with layout and color. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
February 23: Coordinate Systems and
Datums
|
||
| Topics: | Raise issue of different systems used for establishing location. Address issue of how and why coordinate systems differ. Survey major issues and terms. Introduce principle land survey and coordinate systems employed most commonly in Colorado, US, and other parts of the world. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
March 2: Map Projections
|
||
| Topics: | Overview basic issue of map projections and compromises involved in transferring 3-dimensional positions to 2-dimensional surfaces. Introduce basic terminology. Consider widely used methods, why and when they are applied, and the compromises involved in employing each one. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
March 9:
GPS and Data Sources and Geocoding for GIS
|
||
| Topics: | Consider map and data sources and decide how these will be used. Address difficulties of gathering information from varied sources and of data quality. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
March 16: Accuracy and Precision in Spatial Datasets |
||
| Topics: | Consider how accuracy and precision effect spatial datasets. Examine major sources and how they can propogate and cascade in cartographic databases. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
March 23: Spring Break |
||
March 30: Managing and Modeling Error;
Project Design, Planning and Lifecycle
|
||
| Topics: | Consider methods for dealing with error and imprecision in spatial datasets. Discuss standards for creating GIS databases and methods of testing for and estimating error. Introduce sensitivity analysis. Focus on steps involved in designing and developing a GIS project from start to finish. Stress the importance of setting clear objectives and testing the system periodically to make sure it meets goals. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
April 6: Geospatial Modeling and
Geostatistics
|
||
| Topics: | Focus on the some modeling and geostatistical techniques employed in GIScience and related to the interests of the class. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
April 13: Web GIS, Virtual Globes, Map Mashups, NeoGeography
|
||
| Topics: | Survey current trends in Web GIS, neogeography, and map mashups. Consider the range of GIS functionality now in the web and some of the experiments underway. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
April 20: Legal, Ethical, Political
and Social Issues
|
||
| Topics: | Examine situations in which maps, GIS and information technology intersect the law. Consider some of the ethical problems that arise from the use and misuse of information technology, including the issue of privacy. Consider how maps can be used to mislead readers either unintentionally or intentionally. Examine how maps are sometimes used for propaganda and how they express the values and motives of the map makers themselves. | |
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
pril 27: Frontiers in GIScience
|
||
| Topics: | Presentations of last
project. Course debriefing and evaluation. |
|
| Readings and Work: |
|
|
Final projects due by Saturday, May 2rd, 4:00 pm |
||
| Last revised 2009.4.13. KEF. | ||