Time Schedule:
Steven Walters
ESS 420
Seattle Campus
Examines principles of GISA applied to the geological sciences. Covers basics of GIScience, data types, and GIS analyses. Includes hands-on analysis applied to geologic patterns and phenomena: sources geological data; geological mapping; measures of topography; hydrologic flow patterns; and topics of the students' own interests. Prerequisite: ESS 211; recommended: ESS 326. Offered: ASp.
Class description
This course provides an introduction to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in the geologic sciences. We begin by covering the fundamentals of GIS, including the way spatial data are represented and stored, the software tools available, and some of the fundamental methods of analysis. This introduction will also include some of the theoretical aspects of GIS. The bulk of the course will then explore various geological applications of GIS. Topics include discussion of imported data for GIS analysis, introductions to analyses of topography and hydrologic flow, geologic mapping and analysis, and a brief overview of other geomorphologic phenomena for which GIS analyses can serve as a useful if not essential tool.
The practical nature of GIS usage means that this course will be very hands-on in structure, with in- and outside-class computer lab activities comprising the bulk of the instruction. Lectures and in-class discussions will also cover significant aspects of the course content. Course activities will consist of a number of lab exercises related to each week's topics, midterm and final exams, and an independent class project. Collectively these activities will help students to become comfortable in the skills necessary to perform spatial analyses for a wide range of geologic problems and questions.
Student learning goals
Gain a fundamental understanding of geospatial analysis principles and techniques
Have a basic understanding or better of spatial and tabular data used in GIS
Know the basics of using ArcGIS software (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox)
Be able to perform essential data manipulations, analyses and graphical presentation skills, particularly with respect to geologic data
Learn of some key sources for geologic spatial data sets - including how they are collected as well as where some data repositories can be found - and sources and types of uncertainties therein
Have a basic understanding of some of the fundamental uses of GIS in the earth sciences
General method of instruction
two ~1.5-hour lecture and discussion sessions, and two ~2-hour computer laboratory sessions, per week
Recommended preparation
Students are expected to have reasonable competence working with MS Windows and Office (particularly Word and Excel), since much of the work in the course will entail using these platforms. (Other software frameworks will be introduced in the course).
It is helpful if students have taken basic geology/earth science courses (e.g., ESS 101, 201, 211), but these are not pre-requisites. Additionally, though some background in earth sciences will be helpful for some course content, the focus of instruction is on applying GIS to geological, geomorphological and hydrological phenomena; thus, much of the necessary background will be included in the course itself.
Class assignments and grading
Seven computer lab assignments will be assigned on a roughly weekly basis; these consist of hands-on tutorial exercises designed to familiarize the students with key techniques, data types and software tools used in GIS. Additionally, students will complete a class project on a topic of their choosing (with the instructor's assistance as needed).
