Spring 2023 - GEOG 255 D100

Geographical Information Science I (3)

Class Number: 2511

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Course 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. 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 an introduction to using spatial data management and analysis software. 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:
There will be one 2-hours lecture per week. The lectures will be done in-person in the classroom to give insights into the methods related to GIS and GIScience. 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 lectures.

There will be one 2-hours lab session per week. The labs will be done in-person in a computer laboratory to provide practical skills in GIS and GIScience. Software will be available at no cost (non-commercial use only) for your use in the computer lab. The emphasis is on the mapping, transformation, and analysis of vector spatial data.

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

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 projects for real-world problem-solving

Grading

  • Participation 2%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm Exam 18%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Requirements for In-Person Learning:
For work outside the computer laboratory: Modern Windows or Mac computer and reliable internet connection.

Under SFU's Education Site License, SFU students, staff, and researchers may download the following software to home computers for academic use ONLY. This includes teaching and classroom use and research purposes. 

Software available to download/install on home computers

  • Microsoft 365
  • ESRI Applications such as ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ESRI CityEngine, etc.
  • Matlab with Named User License
  • Adobe CC with Named User License*

* ONLY those who are in SFU payroll are eligible for Adobe CC with Named User License

REQUIRED READING:

(For lab work - you need to access a copy for use during the weekly computer lab sessions):
- Law, M. and Collins, A. (2021). Getting to Know ArcGIS for Desktop. 6th Ed. ISBN: 9781589485778.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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