I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

2. Course Prefix & Number:
GEOG 1430

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course introduces the fundamentals and basic concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including basic cartographic principles, map projections and map scales coordinate systems, spatial (geographic) data structure, data sources, geo-referencing, metadata, global positioning system (GPS), and some remote sensing techniques using GIS tools, vendors, software, applications, and resources.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Saint Cloud State University, GEOG 216 Principles of Geography Information Science, 3 credits
Itasca Community College, GEOG 1204 Principles of GIS, 3 credits
South Central College, CTLS 2840 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 4 credits

III. Course Purpose

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:

• Goal 2 – Critical Thinking
• Goal 5 – History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Use the ArcGIS program and follow the correct sequence of steps to produce an accurate and useful map that meets its stated purpose.
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations	Create and interpret maps using a variety of data and spatial geolocation information.
Apply ethical principles in decision-making	Apply ethical considerations to the art and craft of mapmaking in that they are able to recognize the inherent potential for bias or untruth in the ways map data are presented and may be interpreted.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Gather factual information and, through the use of the GIS program, apply it to a given problem to create maps that have integrity in their portrayal of their subject matter (MnTC Goal 2);
• Imagine, seek out, and map a variety of possible interpretations of the data through the creation of various map styles and presentations using data and GIS technology (MnTC Goal 2);
• Recognize and articulate the value assumptions which underlie the construction of maps and affect decisions, interpretations, analyses, and evaluations made by ourselves and others (MnTC Goal 2);
• Analyze spatial data, using GIS software, while being aware of the underlying assumptions, implications, and possible biases inherent in the mapping process (MnTC Goal 2);
• Understand theories of GIS and its practical applications in areas such as business, government, and resource management (MnTC Goal 5);
• Illustrate historical and contemporary applications of Geographic Information Systems and the theoretical bases for and limitations of GIS (MnTC Goal 5);
• Employ GIS data and maps to examine the spatial arrangement and spatial relationships of contemporary social and physical phenomena. (MnTC Goal 5);
• Create and articulate possible alternative explanations for the mapped results generated by your GIS (MnTC Goal 5); and
• Clearly describe, critique and communicate the results of GIS modelling in writing and/or orally (MnTC Goal 5).

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Introduction to GIS
   • Review syllabus, course rationale, and objectives
   • Introduce GIS
   • Arc GIS software
   • Arc Map menus, toolbars, and map elements
   • Explore data using ArcMap and ArcCatalog
2. Envisioning information
   • Introduce the concept of envisioning information
   • Value of maps
   • Symbolize features and rasters in ArcGIS
   • Classify features and rasters in ArcGIS
3. Features and attributes
   • Introduce features and how they model geospatial features
   • Introduce attributes and how they describe geospatial features
   • Explore how features and attributes are linked and displayed in a GIS
4. Attribute queries
   • Use ArcGIS to find and query attributes
   • Introduce selection methodologies available in ArcGIS
   • Use Structured Query Language (SQL) to execute standard database queries
   • Create summary reports based on attribute queries
5. Tables
   • Identify basic structure and data types for tables stored in a GIS
   • Identify common tabular formats imported into a GIS
   • Perform joins and relate between two tables and a feature class and a table
6. Spatial queries
   • Spatial relationships and how to query them in GIS
   • Definition queries
   • Multi-step spatial queries
   • Join attributes by location
7. Geoprocessing
   • How GIS professionals utilize geoprocessing to prepare and analyze data
8. Spatial analysis
   • Vector, raster, and three dimensional spatial analysis
   • Application of spatial analysis
   • Perform spatial analyses using vector and tabular data
9. Map projections and scale
   • Introduce map projections, coordinate systems, and scale
   • How to identify appropriate map projections, coordinate systems, and scale for your GIS application
10. Data types, structures, and formats
    • Different data types and structure available to represent geospatial and tabular data
    • Selecting the most appropriate data type and structure to support your objective
    • Value of smart feature in planning applications
    • The role of subtypes, relationships, domains, validation rules, and topology
    • Most common GIS data formats
    • Different data types, structures, and formats using ArcGIS
    • How to develop a geospatial inventory
11. Data creation, collection, and quality
    • Geospatial data required to support a process
    • Differences between utilizing existing data and creating your own
    • Where to find data
    • Understand when you need to create data
    • Recognize when it is appropriate to use a pilot project
    • How to create vector data
    • How to create attribute data
    • Back up your data early and often
    • Relationship between error, accuracy, and precision
    • Opportunities to introduce error and how to mitigate them
    • Distinguish between quality control and quality assurance
    • Establish an audit trail
    • Importance of good data management
12. Geocoding
    • Understand geocoding and its application
    • Create an address locator
    • Geocode addresses from a table
    • Find individual addresses
    • Standardize address and reference data
    • Interpret geocoding results
    • Rematch addresses automatically and interactively
13. Cartography
    • The value of maps
    • Basic cartographic techniques and why they are important
    • Become familiar with map elements and the visual hierarchy
    • Generate a cartographic product using ArcGIS
14. Presentation mediums
    • The importance of visual communication
    • Different types of presentation medium and their appropriate use
    • How to generate different presentation medium
15. Models, metadata, and mapping law
    • Introduce and build a simple model in ArcGIS ModelBuilder
    • Introduce metadata and metadata standards
    • How to use the Metadata tool in ArcCatalog
    • Various GIS legal issues
16. Final test and project
    • Apply your GIS knowledge and skills on a real-world project
    • Present the results of your analysis in an aesthetic and informative medium
    • Measure comprehension of lecture and lab materials