Spring 2016 - GEOG 355 D100
Geographical Information Science II (4)
Class Number: 5199
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 13, 2016
Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Blake Walker
778.782.4987
Office Hours: meetings available upon request
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Prerequisites:
GEOG 255.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of technical components of GIS. Topics include spatial representations, generalization and data management; computational algebra and set theory; digital surfaces and terrain models. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Geographic Information Science combines concepts and principles from geography with computer science, geometry, data science, and decision support to better understand spatial processes in a range of domains. This course examines in greater depth both theoretical and applied topics, including scale, data structures, analysis, cartography, location-based services, and the Geospatial Web.
The lab component of this course focusses on raster data and operations, analytical decision-making, spatial multicriteria evaluation, web page development, and open source geographical information systems. Geographical topics in a wide variety of fields will be covered in the lab component, including urban geography, environmental sciences, population and public health, infrastructure planning, and agriculture. Students will conclude the course with an independent, real-world project addressing a GIScience question of their choosing, and will publish their project online.
This course requires that students submit eight lab assignments and a final project. Lab assignments will be completed using multiple software packages including, but not limited to, IDRISI, QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, and ArcGIS.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Students successful in completing the course will:
o Command a firm understanding of the leading theoretical concepts in GIScience;
o Be able to identify and discuss issues of scale, data quality, and data models;
o Have a deeper knowledge of database design, storage, and geoprocessing;
o Explore and discuss exciting new areas in GIScience;
o Develop a web page based on their final project, which will also serve as a professional portfolio.
Grading
- Lab Assignments (8) x 5% each 40%
- Midterm Exam 15%
- Final Project 30%
- Final test 15%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Students will require a personal computer (laptop or desktop with any common operating system) capable of running QGIS (http://www.qgis.org/). Arrangements will be made for students without access to a personal computer.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Longley, et al. Geographic Information Science and Systems (4th edition). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons; 2015.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS