Spring 2018 - GEOG 255 D100
Geographical Information Science I (3)
Class Number: 3579
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 13, 2018
Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Taylor Anderson
taylora@sfu.ca
Office: TBA
Office Hours: Tuesday 3:00-4:00pm
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Prerequisites:
GEOG 100 or 111 or permission of instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A basic overview of Geographical Information Systems and Science; GIS software, hardware, data structures and models; spatial data, operations and algorithms; practical applications and limitations. Students with credit for GEOG 354 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Almost everything that happens in the world has a spatial component. Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer systems that capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, visualize, and communicate all types of spatial data. Furthermore, GIS can be used to solve problems by better understanding “where is what?”, “so what?”, and “why?”. Answering these types of questions is particularly valuable for urban planners, utility companies, geologists, forensics, foresters, and policy makers and more. Today, geotechnology has been identified as one of the three mega-technologies of the 21st century. Spatial data has always been “big”, but now it is collected at a greater volume, velocity, and variety at larger spatial extents and in real time. It is no surprise that the demand is high for trained GIS technicians and analysts. This course aims to provide you with an introduction to theoretical issues in GIS and GIScience and training in basic GIS operations and analysis, building a foundation for future studies in GIS.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces theoretical concepts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and science (GIScience) and facilitates the acquisition of technical experience in spatial analysis using a GIS. In the lectures, students will learn the differences between GIScience and GIS, principals of GIS, geographic data modelling and collection, cartography and map production, spatial analysis, big data, network GIS, and web GIS. In the labs, students will learn the foundational technical skills required for map creation, spatial data queries, GIS analysis to solve geographic problems, introductory programming in GIS, and spatial social networks.
Note: Labs begin January 10
Grading
- Lab exercises 50%
- Mid-term exam 15%
- Final exam 35%
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2015). Geographic information science and systems, 4th Ed. John Wiley & Sons.
ISBN: 978-1-118-67695-0
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