Course Outline

GEOG 136 - Intermediate ArcGIS: GIS Analysis


Fall Semester 2016

Basic Course Information
Courses numbered 1 - 49 are remedial or college preparatory courses which do not apply toward an A. A. Degree and are not intended for transfer. Courses numbered 50-99 apply toward an AA Degree, but are not intended for transfer. Courses numbered 100 and higher apply toward an AA Degree and/or are intended for transfer to a four-year college or university.

D - Credit - Degree Applicable
GEOG
Intermediate ArcGIS: GIS Analysis
Units and Hours
2
2
Grade/Pass/No Pass
Hour Type Units Weekly Hours Semester Hours x 16 Weeks Semester Hours x 18 Weeks
Lecture Category - 1.00 1.00 x 16 Weeks - 16.00 x 18 Weeks - 18.00
Lab Category - 1.00 3.00 x 16 Weeks - 48.00 x 18 Weeks - 54.00
Subtotal -   4.00 x 16 Weeks - 64.00 x 18 Weeks - 72.00
Out of Class Hour -   2.00 x 16 Weeks - 32.00 x 18 Weeks - 36.00
Totals -   6.00 x 16 Weeks - 96.00 x 18 Weeks - 108.00
Hour Type Units Weekly Hours Semester Hours x 16 Weeks Semester Hours x 18 Weeks
Lecture Category - 1.00 1.00 x 16 Weeks - 16.00 x 18 Weeks - 18.00
Lab Category - 1.00 3.00 x 16 Weeks - 48.00 x 18 Weeks - 54.00
Subtotal -   4.00 x 16 Weeks - 64.00 x 18 Weeks - 72.00
Out of Class Hour -   2.00 x 16 Weeks - 32.00 x 18 Weeks - 36.00
Totals -   6.00 x 16 Weeks - 96.00 x 18 Weeks - 108.00
Requisites
To satisfy a prerequisite, the student must have earned a letter grade of A, B, C or P(Pass) in the prerequisite course, unless otherwise stated.

Prerequisite: GEOG 120
Catalog Description
Focus on performing complex operations using the ArcGIS software. Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced querying operations, Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst, coordinate geometry, ArcGIS ModelBuilder, and the application of ArcGIS in a variety of disciplines.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcome
Students should be able to define GIS overlay, and its importance in GIS analysis.
Students should be able to list two benefits of implementing GIS workflows using modelbuilder.
Specific Course Objectives
Objective
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
  • Analyze complex geographic patterns using ArcGIS.
  • Describe and use the functional capabilities of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst.
  • Construct and analyze raster datasets using GIS.
  • Represent and analyze logical data models using vector and raster datasets.
  • Construct and analyze datasets using kernels and overlay operations.
  • Construct and evaluate triangulated irregular networks (TIN's).
  • Created geographic features using coordinate geometry descriptions.
  • Analyze spatial data using advanced GIS toolsets and extensions.
  • Design and implement multiple criteria methods for GIS decision making.
  • Construct and analyze spatial support systems for decision making.
  • Document and automate GIS workflow using ModelBuilder.
  • Geocode addresses and other spatial information using GIS.
  • Implement topology to ensure the spatial integrity of data.
  • Perform suitability analyses and create basic analytical models in GIS.
Methods of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Demonstration
Guest Speakers
Learning Modules
Lecture/Lab
Content in Terms of Specific Body of Knowledge
  1. Nature of raster data
    1. Managing raster data
      1. Displaying surfaces
      2. Creating surface models
      3. Data integrity
    2. Analyzing surfaces
      1. Performing spatial analysis
        1. ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
        2. ArcGIS Network Analyst
        3. ModelBuilder
        4. Python scripting
      2. Map algebra and kernel analyses
      3. Review of functions and spatial queries
  2. Essentials of analytical modeling
    1. Evaluating and implementing models in ArcGIS
    2. GIS modeling considerations and limitations
      1. Cell-based modeling
  3. Troubleshooting spatial conflicts
  4. Advanced visualization tools
Textbooks/Resources
Textbook
Chang, Kang-tsung
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
8th
McGraw-Hill
2015
Allen, David
GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook
2nd
Esri Press
2010
Assignments
Students are required to review scholarly and professional articles documenting the innovative use of GIS in various disciplines. Potential sources of articles include research engines (e.g. EBSCO, Google Scholar) and academic journals (e.g. Transactions in GIS, International Journal of Geographical Information Science).
One or more assignments chosen from the following options: -Article Review (2 - 3 page essay) -Case Study Analysis (2 - 3 page essay) -Semester Project (5 - 6 page term paper)
Student will be asked to analyze assigned case studies, and evaluate the case studies' choice of data models, tools, and methods.
Outside assignments will include reading texts, review of lecture notes, writing assignments, GIS computer lab assignments, and exam preparation. 4 hours per week
Methods of Assessment
Evaluation Method
  • Exams/Tests
  • Lab Activities
  • Papers
  • Projects
  • Research Projects
Open Entry/Open Exit
- Not Open Entry/Open Exit
Repeatability
No
Contact Person
Cheung, Wing H.