Time Schedule:
Therese A Young
GEOG 460
Seattle Campus
Methods of Analysis provided by geographic information systems (GIS). Operations on map information including map overlay, aggregation/disaggregation, and other spatial and attribute procedures. Exposure to raster and vector software. Review of capabilities of current available GIS software. Prerequisite: 2.0 in GEOG 360. Offered: A.
Class description
Methods of Analysis provided by geographic information systems (GIS). Operations on map information including map overlay, aggregation/disaggregation, and other spatial and attribute procedures. Exposure to raster and vector software. Review of capabilities of current available GIS software. Prerequisite: 2.0 in GEOG 360. Offered: A.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Geography 460 is an introductory course which covers the theory and application of computerized geographic information systems (GIS). It combines an overview of general principles of GIS and practical experience in the analytical use of spatial information. The lectures cover a comprehensive overview of the analytical treatment of geographic information, following the organization of the textbook, Nick Chrisman's Exploring Geographic Information Systems . The course also includes a case-study component, where students discuss a diverse range of GIS applications in more depth. The practical component involves the use of an analytical software package, ArcView 3.2 in the Sherman Lab (Smith 401). Web resources will provide lecture notes, exercise materials, case study materials and sources for geographic information and analysis at UW and around the world.
Recommended preparation
Geography students should have Geog. 360 (Principles of Cartography) or its equivalent such as surveying, site analysis for landscape architects, or field courses in environmental sciences. A multi-disciplinary mix of students helps demonstrate the multi-disciplinary nature of GIS applications.
Class assignments and grading
Each student will be required to apply computer tools to an issue requiring spatial analysis, some of it outside of class hours. This course is designed for a broad range of students, but each student should have some exposure to the procedures used to make maps and some introduction to the use of spatial information.
Student evaluation of learning objectives is based on four components: lab exercises, discussions, learning assessments and a group project. The numeric grade reported at the end will be an X if all four elements are not complete. Meeting the minimum standards guarantees a 2.0.
Successful timely completion of all six lab exercises (0%). Attendance and participation in discussion sessions (20%). Learning assessment (exam or portfolio option) (40%). Group project (40%)
