Memorandum

To: Dr. Eric Greenfield, Instructor

From: -----------------------

Date: September 23, 2005

Re: Introduction to GIS Concepts – Exploring Metadata and Maps

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This assignment served as an introduction to a variety of GIS concepts, including the importance of metadata and maps. Attached to this memo are two assessment sheets including a personal assessment and an exercise assessment, a completed answer sheet containing the answers to thirty-seven questions about the information contained in the metadata of a digitized USGS topographic quad, in the image of topographic maps, and basic conversions and calculations associated with understanding and utilizing maps.

Metadata for the Syracuse West USGS quad was examined online using a link from the webpage of the New York State GIS Clearinghouse (http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us). The data set was then downloaded in the form of a TIFF image file and was utilized in its original state and not manipulated in anyway in this assignment. A USGS topographic quad map of Syracuse East, provided with the answer sheet, was used to measure distance and for calculating slope.

The metadata can contain a large amount of information about the digitized information, in this case a map. The important information includes the source and date of the original information, as well as the various attributes of the map. The map image itself contains similar and additional information. The questions were a guide to explore the metadata and the map (see answer sheet). The importance of time frame was also emphasized in the exercise. The exercise was challenging, though very informative (see attached assessments).

This project was an adequate introduction to GIS concepts. It required approximately five hours to complete, not including the time required for the associated documents including this memo and the two attached assessments. If there are any questions concerning output, or additional information required, please contact me at xxxxxxx@syr.edu.