Fall 2020 - GEOG 355 D100

Geographical Information Science II (4)

Class Number: 4099

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Aateka Shashank
    ashashan@sfu.ca
    Office: https://whereby.com/geog355
    Office Hours: Mondays 3:00pm to 4:00pm. I encourage everyone to stay in touch with me outside of office hours as well. If my office hour does not work with your schedule, please let me know and I will try to work out an alternate time to e-meet you. You can also always email me, and I will aim to respond within 48 hours.
  • 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:

Course Overview
Geographical Information Science (GIS) is a unique amalgamation of geographical principles, computer science and mathematics. This course will examine theoretical, geographical and technical components of GIS, from spatial representation to matrix algebra to new spatial media.

Together, we will explore how the quality and completeness of GIS data affects cartography, interpretations and the value of maps in various disciplines of research. We will also look under the hood of GIS techniques at data structures and data processing methods. The course will include discussions on visual representation, data input and quality, data structures, raster storage and analysis, vector storage and analysis, visualization and cognition, scale and generalization, and geographic objects with uncertain boundaries.

Course Objectives
By prying under the hood of GIS, the course will enable students to better understand the complexities of computing, spatial representation and the fundamentals of GISci. To this extent, the labs will allow students to explore a combination of vector and raster data analysis. Through this course, you will be able to understand appropriate uses of GIS structures and models for diverse hypothetical and real-world situations.

Course Structure
Lectures – These will be asynchronous, recorded lectures that will go through the theoretical concepts of the course and uploaded for you to access during the day of the lecture. After the lecture, you will be given a set amount of time to contribute to the online discussion on Canvas.

Labs – These will be synchronous labs during which the TA will share a combination of recorded and live instructions and content for you to go through the lab exercises and assignments. You will also be given the chance to work in groups in order to share and learn the software together so you can use it in later courses!

How to prepare yourself to remotely learn GIS in this course

  1. Get to know your computer. Feel free to download the software earlier on in the semester and figure out if it works on your computer or struggles. There are lots and lots of videos online on small tasks you can do on QGIS. If your computer is struggling, it might be a good idea to consider preparing yourself to use the remote connection to the SIS labs.
  2. Be prepared to put in time and energy into learning the software. QGIS is a widely documented open source software that is used by professionals and academics all over the world. You will be able to find resources on Google, Github, Stack Exchange, Reddit, you name it! Explore and be curious!
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you have a question, someone else in the class probably has the same question. For this reason, communicating within your groups during the labs will help you help yourself in the long run.


Course Policy

Late penalty: Due dates are set to help you manage your time as you work through the course material remotely. Adhesion to the suggested timeline will help you earn 100% of your desired grades. If you need extra time to complete your assignment, please consult with me as soon as possible.

Note: Labs will begin the week of September 14thth.

Grading

  • Lab assignments 35%
  • Midterm (synchronous) 15%
  • Final project 25%
  • Participation 10%
  • Final paper 15%

NOTES:

Lab assignments (35%) – These will comprise of individual smaller assignments to help you build your proficiency with the course software, QGIS. Not only will you learn how to use the software, but also how to interpret results and apply them to situations using what you have learnt in lectures.

Midterm (15%) – The midterm will be a remote exam for you to review what you have learnt in labs and lectures.

Final project (25%) – The final project will enable to use everything you have learnt in labs and lectures on an idea of your own imagination. You will get several chances to hand in drafts and get feedback from both the TA and the instructor so you can hand in a project worthy of including even in your resume!

Participation (10%) – Your participation mark will comprise of lecture conversations we will have on Canvas after each lecture and lab groups you will do work with to complete your individual assignments.

Final paper (15%) – The final paper will be technical paper that explores the theoretical and technical aspects of GIS on a theme you have covered during the semester.


Grading Scale
A+   95.5-100
A     85-95
A-    80-84.5
B+    77.5-79.5
B      73-77
B-     70-72.5
C+    67.5-69.5
C      63-67
C-     60-62.5
D      50-59.5
F      0-49.5


Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

QGIS is an open-source GIS software that will be available for use on computers in the SIS labs that can be connected to remotely but can also be downloaded for free for Windows, Mac and Linux OS. Instructions on which software version to use and how to download them will be shared during the first week of labs.

RECOMMENDED READING:

A text for the lab will be available through Canvas at the start of the semester. It is open source and will guide you through all your labs. Other material for labs will be linked via Canvas.

Lecture materials might include YouTube videos, articles, open source material, or books available online through the SFU Library.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).