Course Syllabus

Last Updated by E.Bevilacqua 01/08/2008

Prerequisites:
None.

Course Goals:
The overall goal of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to understand the uses and limitations of geospatial information technologies [i.e., remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)] for natural resource management applications.

The objectives of this course are to:

1. increase student awareness of GIS science and technology in natural resource management;
2. introduce fundamental tools used for mapping natural resources;
3. provide experience in mapping land cover conditions using maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, and navigation-grade GPS technology;
4. provide experience in digital spatial analysis techniques; and
5. generate enthusiasm and interest in using GIS for meeting natural resource management needs

1. Define, compare and contrast different types of maps and explain fundamental cartographic principles
2. Compare and contrast different map projections and coordinate systems used for georeferencing locations on the earth's surface
3. Compare and contrast the major characteristics of various sources of remote sensing data available for environmental and natural resource applications, including satellite imagery, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each
4. Define, compare and contrast raster and vector data structures used in GIS software
5. Acquire and input georeferenced data from a variety of sources, including maps, digital imagery and navigation-grade GPS, for use in a GIS
6. Define and explain the sources of error in digital data
7. Efficiently manage and query both spatial and attribute data within a GIS
8. Conduct appropriate spatial analyses, using both raster and vector data sources, within a GIS to answer specific natural resource management questions
9. Produce quality maps which summarize output from simple spatial analysis using appropriate cartographic principles
10. Work effectively in teams
11. Demonstrate professionalism

Bolstad, P. GIS Fundamentals: A first text on Geographic Information Systems (2 nd ed). (This text is available at the Orange Book Store)

A	90.0	-	100.0	Excellent
A-	85.0	-	89.9	Very Good
B+	80.0	-	84.9	Good
B	75.0	-	79.9	Fair
B-	72.0	-	74.9	Satisfactory
C+	70.0	-	71.9	Adequate, but needs improvement
C	68.0	-	69.9
C-	65.0	-	64.9	Major gaps in understanding
D	60.0	-	64.9	Minimum for passing
F	0	-	59.9	Minimal effort made in the course

If you encounter a situation beyond your control in which you will missing three (3) or more days of classes, you should contact the Office of Student Life (110 Bray Hall, 470-6660) and they will contact all your instructors for you. Supportive documentation may be required.

If you have an identified disability and will need accommodations, you should first contact Mr. Slocum in the Office of Student Life in 110 Bray Hall. Mr. Slocum will discuss the ESF process and work with you to access supportive services. If you have a learning disability, the College will require you to provide supportive documentation and will develop an approved accommodation sheet for you. We will not provide accommodations until Mr. Slocum has developed an accommodation plan and we meet to discuss its applicability to this course. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively. If you have any questions about disabilities, please contact me and/or Mr. Slocum as soon as possible. All conversations will be confidential.