Mt. San Jacinto College – Menifee Valley Campus
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Summer 2005
Course Code: GIS 115 (3149)/GEOG 115 (3119), 3 units
June 20 – July 28 (6 week session)
Instructor: Dr. Cyndi Nance Internet: www.msjc.edu/gis
Phone: (909) 672-6752 x2556 Email: cnance@msjc.edu
Office: Room 111
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-5:00 p.m., online via email or phone
Communications: It is best to contact me by email, as you have a better opportunity for receiving a response within a couple of days. However, be advised I am not online 24/7. At times I am in class all day, I maintain regular sleep hours, and aspire to take holidays. When communicating with me by voice mail or email, be sure to state your full name (first and last), the class (GIS 115 in the subject line), a phone number if necessary, and a clear message for me to respond to. Assignments will not be accepted as email attachments. I will not respond to emails that do not follow these guidelines.
If you have questions about the course for me that you believe other students would benefit from the answer or you would like feedback from students, please post the question in the “student forum” – “troubleshooting” or “internet café.” These discussion boards present an opportunity to become acquainted with your fellow class mates.
Required Text:
Longley, Goodchild, Maguire and Rhind Geographic Information Systems and Science, Wiley and Sons, 2001.
Ormsby, et al. Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, ESRI Press, second edition 2004.
Recommended:
Subscribe to ESRI’s free publications, ArcUser and ArcNewsletter at www.esri.com .
Recommended Preparation:
Introduction to Computer Information Systems and Data Processing (CSIS 101) or working knowledge of MS Windows programs.
GIS Required Software:
A demonstration version of ESRI’s software ArcGIS 9 is provided with Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop on CDrom, along with the necessary exercise data. If you purchase a used copy of this book, make sure you have the companion CDrom. You may also purchase a student version for one year through MSJC’s site license agreement for a discounted rate (about $100) or purchase a student version (without MSJC affiliation or time limitation) for about $250.
You MUST have access to ArcGIS software, including the Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions. Students living within driving distance of MSJC may access the software at Menifee campus only, in the Multimedia Lab Room 652 during Open Lab hours (please call for hours). You will need a PC with Windows 2000, Windows XP (Home Edition or Professional) or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a to run ArcGIS. Students are also required to have software that creates rich text format (.rtf).
Online Course Computing Prerequisites: Students should have access to a computer using either Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP or a Macintosh computer using OS 8 or higher. Also, students should have a basic understanding of the internet and a connection to the world wide web (WWW), an email account, and a modem with a minimum 14400 baud rate, 28800 or higher. cable/DSL modem is preferred. Students should have loaded onto their hard drive a browser, preferably Internet Explorer 5.x, or higher for accessing the WWW. Additionally, all students are required to have an email account, and a word processing program that can save documents in the Microsoft Word Document (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf). You must be able to capture a print screen (CTRL-C or any other sequence of commands) to turn in assignments. Students not possessing these skills and hardware/software equipment/materials, or students lacking adequate access to these equipment/materials, should not enroll in this online course.
Course Description: This course prepares students with the geographic concepts necessary for technical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include data structure, acquisition, integration and manipulation. Through practical applications in GIS students will use scientific and technical methods of inquiry to analyze tabular and spatial data for geographic trends, patterns and relationships.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast conventional mapping technology to GIS automated technology.
2. Distinguish basic cartographic principles in map production.
3. Recognize basic map coordinate systems and map scales.
4. Formulate and interpret geographically referenced data.
5. Define problems associated with acquisition and accuracy of data used in GIS.
6. Recognize the two basic GIS data structures (raster and vector).
7. Compare and contrast which data structure is best suited to a particular GIS application.
8. Comprehend and apply basic concepts used in GIS database manipulation.
9. Identify the basic hardware and software requirements needed for GIS applications.
applications.
Course Structure:
This is an online course that involves reading assigned chapters in the text, participating in threaded discussions in the discussion board, reading e-lectures and related web sites, and completing ArcGIS exercises. Quizzes and exams test student comprehension of assigned readings, lectures, ArcGIS exercises and threaded discussions. Assignments are submitted online in the course under the “Assignments” sidebar, under the appropriate assignment subheading, such as “Student Threaded Discussion Presentations”. Quizzes and exams are submitted online through an online test manager.
This is a fast paced course for which you can expect weekly the equivalent of five hours online lecture and web site navigation, five hours of reading assignments and examination, and five hours of computer time completing exercises during this 6 week course. The first half of the 6 week semester introduces students to a history of mapping, computer mapping applications and geographic concepts. The second half of the 6 week semester involves data acquisition, data manipulation, data exploration, analysis and spatial modeling. This course is the first in a series of courses, and upon completion of this course students are prepared to enter Intermediate GIS (GIS 120) using advanced applications (Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and other extensions).
As an online class, your achievement in this course will depend on your reading of the text and other assigned readings, completing the exercises using ArcGIS software, and participating in threaded discussions. You will be expected to apply what you have learned in earlier exercises to later exercises and to interpret your results. In the discussions you are expected to think critically, demonstrate your recently acquired knowledge of GIS while sharing information with others.
Assignments
First Assignment: Introductory Quiz (45 points) and email Instructor (5 points)
To establish your presence in the course and that you have read the introductory material, such as this syllabus, you must take the “Introductory” quiz. You must also send an email to me at cnance@msjc.edu clearly stating your name (first and last) and stating the email address you will be using for the course. Do not send an email that says “I’m in the class” with a return email address of, for instance, niftyfingers@dig.com and no identification, such as a name/signature. I have no way of verifying enrollment or giving credit to anonymous email addresses – I need your name as it is stated on the class roster - I will not conduct an investigative search to identify anonymous emails. For all emails to me, you must state “GIS 115” in the subject line, state the intent of the email in the message box, use your full name in the salutation and be sure to attach documents in .doc or .rtf format. Emails without GIS 115 in the subject line may not receive a response. I use a message rule for this course which sorts emails from students into a folder as priority mail based on GIS 115 in the subject line. Because I receive about 50 emails per day if you do not use GIS 115 (and no other variation, such as gis 115, Geog 115, G.I.S. 115 and so on – which will not be sorted) I may not respond to your email.
The introductory quiz tests your understanding of the course requirements, navigation of the online course, course structure and most importantly, your preparedness for the online technology course. If you score below 80 percent on the introductory quiz you should consider taking the course at another time or in a face-to-face setting, when you are better prepared. There is no time in this course (and no facility) for teaching basic introduction to computer information systems.
The introductory email is “roll call” - I drop students who do not establish contact with me by email following the above guidelines during the first week (refer to schedule for due date). The introductory email also confirms that you have read this text and thus the syllabus. The introductory quiz is also due the first week of class and tests your understanding of this syllabus and the course materials before class starts. Students who do not take and pass the quiz will be dropped from the course.
Student Led Threaded Discussion Topics (100 points):
This is equivalent to a research paper. The threaded discussion topic will be researched and presented with an introductory statement, web sites and references for other students to peruse, and leading statements to stimulate conversation. Each student is responsible for keeping the discussion active on their topic and will be graded on how diligently they check their topic for other student submissions.
I will be grading this assignment based on the quality of material researched and presented, discussion integrity and threaded discussion guidance in an academic direction. Student presentations for the discussion board topic are to be submitted under the Assignments sidebar (do not send email attachments unless instructed to do so). No assignment will be accepted late.
Threaded Discussion Participation (150 points):
Each student’s participation in threaded discussions will be assessed for an ability to think critically about the threaded discussion topic and encourage stimulating discussion. Your messages should reflect your understanding of the topic from information presented in e-lectures, web links, ArcGIS exercises, assigned reading of text chapters, or your own research of the topic. For the best possible grade, you should post five “substantial messages.” A substantial message is at least one full paragraph (a minimum of 4 complete sentences) for a potential 10 points each statement. You should substantiate your statements with references to where you got the information you are relaying or evidence of your synthesis of the information from other sources, such as web site, newspaper or text. Your substantial messages may be the beginning of a thread or replies that demonstrate engagement with other students and reflection upon the topic being discussed. For the best possible grade, your message should stimulate conversation and your interaction with other students will also earn you the best possible grade. Again, for the best possible grade you should substantiate your statements with references to where you got your information, provide additional information (such as web site links) or provide evidence of your ability to synthesize information from other sources, such as web site, newspaper or text. A good way to stimulate conversation is to end your statement with a leading question. You are graded on your ability to interact; do not submit itemized answers to questions. After all, this is a “discussion” and not a one way podium for pitching an opinion and then ditching the rebuttal! To earn the best possible grade, you must read 3 student led topics (other than your own) and participate on their topics by posting a minimum of 5 substantiated messages to each topic, for a potential 50 points each topic.
The following grading rubric* will be used to assess each student’s participation in threaded discussions assignments, with a score assigned for 2 (lowest) to 10 (highest) for each substantial message, as follows.
1 Irrelevant response, does not address the question. Does not answer question or writes only about personal experience. Prestructural. (2 points)
2 Generalizes only in terms of one aspect, or lists facts without linking them. Reaches conclusion only through one point, or lists facts about countries much like an encyclopedia. Unistructural. (4 points)
2 Generalizes through a few unrelated points. Makes several points to reach a conclusion, but does not integrate these points. Multistructural. (6 points)
3 Detects and discusses relationships between points and how they relate to central meaning. Uses several different points together to build and strengthen argument and discusses relationship between them. Relational. (8 points)
4 Generalizes outside of the current topic or to a new area, reaches a higher level of abstraction. Generalizes outside of student’s country to other countries, problems, or other units in the class. Extended Abstract. (10 points)
*Grading rubric adapted from “Using the Internet to Integrate Thematic and Regional Approaches in Geographic Education” by Philip E. Steinberg, Andy Wlater, and Kathleen Sherman-Morris, August 2002, The Professional Geographer (Vol. 54:3, pp. 332-348).
Posted messages or replies that simply restate what has already been stated (such as “I agree”), unsubstantiated opinions, inflammatory (i.e., rude) or ramble about unrelated personal experience will not receive credit. On the other hand, students are encouraged to play the “devil’s advocate,” take a stance, and stimulate argument, debate and open discourse.
Extra Credit Potential: Each student has the potential to earn 5 points extra credit for each time they participate beyond the minimum requirement of 5 substantiated messages, for a maximum of 25 points each topic, and a total 75 extra credit points maximum (25 x 3 topics = 75 extra credit points). Of course, leadership in the discussion and enthusiastic participation are always appreciated!
ArcGIS Exercises (20) (200 points): Students will turn in a print screen of the last display on their monitor at the completion of each assignment. For example, Chapter 7 of Getting to Know ArcGIS, each student will submit a print screen of what is on their monitor after performing all steps up to page 196 – only print and turn in one page for each print screen for each chapter, which is the last screen display of each chapter. Turn in each ArcGIS chapter assignment under the Assignments sidebar.
Different computer systems permit different methods for “printing screen.” Using Ctrl-C (copy) and opening a MS Word document and Ctrl-V (paste) seems to be the best method. Be sure to save all print screens to a backup disk in case you need to print the assignments elsewhere (sometimes the lab printer is unavailable). Black and white printouts are okay; color printouts are not required.
Quizzes and Exams
Quizzes (6) (150 points): Weekly “open book” quizzes prepare students for exam questions of geographic information systems concepts and key word usage. Each quiz will consist of approximately 30 questions, in either true or false or multiple choice format and matching of definitions with terms. Quizzes test student comprehension of e-lectures, assigned chapter readings, web links, and ArcGIS exercises. Essentially, quizzes are study guides for upcoming exams. Each quiz is worth 30 points, for a potential total of 150 points (5 quizzes) - the 6th quiz can be used to make up a missed quiz or extra credit. You will have 60 minutes to complete each “open book” quiz.
Exams (2) (300 points):
One mid-term and a final exam (not cumulative) test student comprehension of e-lectures, web site content, ArcGIS exercises, assigned readings from the text, quizzes, and threaded discussions. The exam format consists of true or false decisions, multiple choice answers, and matching of definitions with terms. Each exam consists of 150 questions, and each exam is worth 150 points, for a potential total of 300 points in the course. You will have 90 minutes to complete each “open book” exam.
Please refer to the Assignment Schedule for exam due dates. If you know that you are not going to be able to take an exam during the open examination period, please make arrangements with me prior to the exam to take the exam at another time. Otherwise, without an official excuse for absence during the week of the exam, there are no make up exams.
Exam strategy: You have 60 minutes to take each open book quiz, and quiz questions will be used on the exams – so print out your quiz results in preparation for the exam. You only have 90 minutes to take each open book exam, but you will have the answers to 90 questions that were on the quizzes. Consider that students in on-site classes do not have this advantage and take the same exam in less than 60 minutes, without an open book.
Note: I will only reset an exam or quiz date for each student once. Therefore, you should make sure that your internet connection is adequate and you are prepared to take the quiz/exam before opening it. If you have technical difficulties with the online test manager, please make arrangements to take quizzes or exams at another location. Be certain that your internet connection will not time out before taking a test. Furthermore, for every 15 minutes that you exceed the 60 minute limit, 10 percent of your grade will be deducted for that exam or quiz. Consider the diminishing returns on your score for being penalized for exceeding the time limit – you might want to set a timer while in the online test manager!
Grading System
Assignments:
Introductory email and quiz 50 points
Student Led Threaded Discussion/Presentation 100 points
Threaded Discussion Participation (3 @ 50 points each) 150 points
ArcGIS Exercises (ESRI Press) (20 @ 10 points each) 200 points
Quizzes (6) 30 points each 150 points
Exams (2) 150 points each 300 points
Total Possible Points: 950
STANDARD GRADE SCALE: 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, <60=F
Extra credit: potential extra credit for early threaded discussion participation 25 points
(5 points each threaded discussion topic)
Additional opportunities for extra credit will be “Announced”
I do not grade on a curve!! But I do give credit for extra initiative and enthusiastic participation!!
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE
5. Keep track of your total accumulation of points.
6. Going to school is a job: treat it like one.
The key to your success as a student is TIME MANAGEMENT!!!
For every unit you are enrolled in you should expect an average of 3 hours per week dedicated to the subject. Thus, a 3 unit course may require 9 hours per week for in class lecture and out of class preparation, for a total of 153 hours over a 17 week semester.
If you have poor study habits or are unable to manage your time well, this course may not be for you.
If you are having trouble, please contact me!!
If you are thinking about dropping the course because you are having trouble, please contact me!
If you do decide to drop the course, please complete the process through enrollment services.
Course Participation: In an online course, students must be self-motivated and self-disciplined in order to keep up with the pace of the course. Often is the case, the instructor is unable to assess that a student is doing poorly, until it is too late. Students need to consider that by the time the midterm grades are assessed, it may be too late to drop without a “W” or an “F” on their transcript. Therefore, if I notice poor participation, such as lack of assignments, quizzes or exams, I may drop you from the course. Experience demonstrates that lack of participation and poor time management contributes to academic failure. There are no make-up assignments and incomplete assignments will not be accepted.
Please refer to the enrollment office for the official withdrawal date (“W” on transcript). After the withdrawal date poor class performance will result in failure (“F” on transcript).
Class Etiquette: Disrespectful behavior towards fellow students or myself will not be tolerated. In a public place of higher education it is the instructor’s responsibility to maintain a mutually respectful learning environment.
According to the rules and regulation of student conduct (Section 605.04B Board Policy): “Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty” are subject to disciplinary sanctions. If you cheat on an exam or plagiarize an assignment, you will receive a zero for that work. If you do it again, you will be dropped from the course and reported to college administration. Warning: there are online detection tools that allow instructors to submit student material and verify the original quality or source of statements. Essentially, six words in a string that are identical to someone else’s published work is plagiarism – thus, be careful when paraphrasing and cite your sources of information (give credit where credit is due).
College Computer and Internet Access Policy: No downloading of illicit material from the web (such as pornography). No downloading of limited use software without licensing agreement. Improper use of data license agreements will be reported to college administration. Please refer to the Acceptable Use Policy posted in each computer lab.
Assignment Schedule
Introduction to GIS – Online Course
In general, assignments, lectures and quizzes will be posted in Blackboard a week before the due date. Access to assignments (exams/quizzes) and threaded discussions will be turned off on the due date at midnight.
All assignments are due by midnight on the due date given below.
No assignment will be accepted late!!
Week 1 – First Assignment due June 22 – quiz and introductory email
E-lecture/reading Chapter 1: Systems, Science and Study
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 1 and 2
Quiz 1 due June 26
Week 2 - Student Threaded Discussion Presentations due June 29
- posted for discussion/student participation July 1
E-lecture/reading Chapter 2: A Gallery of Applications
E-lecture/reading Chapter 3: Representing Geography
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 3-7
Quiz 2 due July 3
Week 3 – Midterm Exam due July 10
E-lecture/reading Chapter 4: Georeferencing
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 8-9
Quiz 3 due July 10
Week 4 - E-lecture/reading Chapter 5: The Nature of Geographic Data
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 10-13
Quiz 4 due July 17
Week 5 – Student participation on threaded discussions (3 topics) due July 24
E-lecture/reading Chapter 6: Undertainty
E-lecture/reading Chapter 7: Generalization, Abstraction, and Metadata
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 14-17
Quiz 5 due July 24
Week 6 – Final Exam due July 28
E-lecture/reading Chapter 8: GIS Software
ArcGIS Exercises: Chapters 18-20
Quiz 6 due July 28
The contents of this page are subject to change.