Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - GEOG 355 D100

Geographical Information Science II (4)

Class Number: 1286

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:
Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS) integrate a unique mixture of geography principles, computer science and mathematics. This course will examine both the geographical and technical components of GIS covering the range from spatial representation to matrix algebra. The emphasis will be on raster data representation, analysis and applications. Students will learn about geographic representation, data input and quality, data structures, storage and analysis, digital terrain models, visualization and cognition, scale and generalization, and geographic objects with uncertain boundaries. Examples will reinforce these concepts and enable understand and engagement.

Prerequisites:
GEOG 255. Basic proficiency in using computers is assumed.

Course Organization:
There will be one 2-hours lecture per week. The lectures will be done in-person in the classroom and students will learn about geographic analysis methods and techniques. There will be a strong emphasis on problem-based and interactive learning. The readings will enhance and extend understanding of the materials presented in the class lectures, and facilitate more meaningful participation during the classroom discussions.

There will be one 2-hours lab session per week. The guided computer lab sessions will use spatial data sets and analysis to reinforce the theoretical concepts and methods presented in the class lectures. Industry standard software will be freely available for your use in the computer laboratory. These labs will allow students to apply the methods to a variety of data and problem contexts within geography.

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, Certificate in Liberal Arts or 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:
- Demonstrate knowledge of raster-based GIS principles
- Understand how to combine raster spatial data for geographic analysis
- Develop competence in using software tools for geographic analysis
- Creatively design and implement GIS analysis projects for real-world problem solving

Grading

  • Participation 2%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Assignments 43%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 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 on time.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook and Software:
- None. The software and required reading materials will be made available to you during the course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.