Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - GEOG 255 D100

Geographical Information Science I (3)

Class Number: 1572

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

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. Geographic information systems (GIS) and science (GIScience) addresses important issues about the collection, description, mapping, visualization, and analysis of geographically referenced data. This course will introduce students to the technical differences between GIS and GIScience, the tools and methods that enable their effective use, and using spatial data management and analysis software contextualized for vector spatial data. The course also contributes to the development of practical skills that will be of immense value in workplace settings that deal with environmental and resources management, urban planning, crime analysis, and government socio-spatial services among others.

Course Organization:
This is an intersession course so the lecture sessions will be 4 hours (2 hrs x 2 days) per week for 6 weeks. The lectures will be done in-person in the classroom to give insights into the applications and methods related to GIS and GIScience. The readings will enhance and extend understanding of the materials presented in the lectures.

This is an intersession course so the lab sessions will be 4 hours (2 hrs x 2 days) per week for 6 weeks. The labs will be done in-person in the GIS computer laboratory to provide practical skills in GIS and GIScience. Industry standard software will be available at no cost (non-commercial use only) for your use in the computer lab.

Format:
In-Person delivery for both the lectures and computer labs. The course begins in the first week of the term.

Notes:
This course may be applied towards the GIS Certificate Program and the GIS Minor.
The contents are subject to changes depending on the number of students, available resources and circumstances.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the special advantages of geographic data and information,
- Explain, critically evaluate and practically apply GIS and GIScience concepts,
- Demonstrate competence in using software tools for GIS-based analysis,
- Creatively design and implement GIS analysis for real-world problem-solving.

Grading

  • Participation 2%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Assignments 43%
  • Midterm Exam: Thu 23rd May 2:30-3:30pm Pacific (in-person) 20%
  • Final Exam: Thu 20th June 2:30-4:00pm Pacific (in-person) 25%

NOTES:

The final marks are absolute and NOT scaled or assigned based on a curve.

REQUIREMENTS:

Requirements for In-Person Learning:
For work outside of the GIS Lab, it is the sole responsibility of students to maintain a technology environment that provides reliable access to the internet and any software tools needed to complete and submit deliverables.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

(Need to access a copy for use during the weekly computer lab sessions):
- Law, M. and Collins, A. (2024). Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro 3.2. 5th Ed.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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