Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - GEOG 355 D100

Geographical Information Science II (4)

Class Number: 3898

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2024
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Geographic 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. Emphasis will be maintained, however, on the quality and completeness of GIS data, data structures, and processing. The course will include discussion of representation, data input and quality, data structures, raster storage and analysis, vector storage and analysis, scale and generalization and ethics of spatial analysis and mapping.

By prying below the surface of GIS, the course will enable students to better understand the complexities of computing, spatial representation and the fundamentals of geographical

Course Structure

Lectures – The lectures cover in detail the theoretical concepts of the course.

Labs – These will be in-person 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 subsequent courses.

Exams: Both the midterm exam and the final exam are synchronous.

How to prepare yourself to learn GIS in this cousre

  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 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 program that is used by professionals and academics all over the 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 For this reason, communicating within your groups during the labs will help you help yourself in the long run.

LABS WILLS NOT BE HELD DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES (Sept 5)

This course is part of the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and the GIScience minor.

 

Grading

  • Lab exercises (8) - due on Friday of each lab week 15%
  • Assignments - throughout semester 20%
  • Mid-term exam - October 18, 2024 25%
  • Participation - throughout 5%
  • Final exam - On assigned day in December 35%

NOTES:

Coures 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 the TA as soon as possible.

Cousre Graded Components
Labs (15%) – Each of the 8 labs will be awarded 2% points for a total of 16% - giving you a bonus mark if you complete all of the material correctly.

Lab assignments (20%) – 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 (25%) – The midterm will be a remote exam administered through Canvas.

Participation (5%) – Your participation mark will comprise of both instructor and TA interactions as well as your engagement with LAB instruction. Your review and study of course materials will be taken into account.

Final exam (35%) – The final exam will be a remote exam that requires you to review everything you have learned in labs, lectures and any discussions throughout the semester.

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 (hosted by SFU library) 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.


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

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.