Principles of Geographic Information Science

General

Prefix

GEOG

Course Number

216

Instruction Mode

Lec/Lab

College/School

College of Science and Engineering

Description

Basic principles, concepts and technology that are universal to all parts of Geographic Information Science and geographic information systems software. Integrated Lab. The department offers an examination for credit option for this course.

Credits

Credit Hours

Min

Max

Repeatable

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

MN Goal Designation(s)

Goal 4: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning

Cultural Diversity

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Identify and describe the purpose and function of the various GI Science components (Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Land Surveying, Remote Sensing, and Cartography).

Outcome

Describe the basic concepts of a map projection and be able to distinguish between some of the major map projections.

Outcome

Apply various coordinate systems such as latitude/longitude (in both decimal degrees and DMS forms), Universal Transverse Mercator, and State/Plane.

Outcome

Develop different map types (choropleth, topographic, etc.) as well as components of a map and the principle of map scale.

Outcome

Identify and analyze local and regional features using topographic maps.

Outcome

Critically evaluate information and its sources on maps to determine information reliability and accuracy.

Outcome

Create maps using modern GIS software.

Course Outline

GIScience overview. 5% Latitude and longitude in DMS and decimal degrees; application problem solving. 7% Applying expressions of scale focusing on the mathematics of scale, and the impact on maps and databases. 7% Map projections. Conversion of the 3-D earth surface to a 2-D planar surface. 10% Basic Map Components. Basic layout of elements that include previous content as well as introduce qualitative versus quantitative data and their graphic presentation on maps. 7% Introduction to topographic maps. 5% The United States Public Land Survey System (USPLAA). Focus on fractional division of parcels and area calculations. 7% In depth application latitude and longitude and the geographic grid. 6% Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and State Plane Coordinate (SPC) systems. 7% Measurement techniques. 7% Calculation of elevation values as applied to physical (relief) surfaces. Slope calculation. 7% Focus on GIS. 20% Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS). 5%