GIS: Science, Business and Government

Mt. San Jacinto Community College

Spring 2005

First 8 Week Session, January 20 – March 12

Thursday 6:00-9:20 p.m. (Room 1010)

Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. (Room 652)

Course Code: GEOG 130 (4180)/GIS130 (4181), 3 units

Instructors: Cyndi Nance

William Howell

John Degange

Cathy Barrozo

Contact Info:  (909) 672-6752 x2556 Email: cnance@msjc.edu

jdegange@msjc.edu 

whowell@msjc.edu 

Required Text: 

(1) GIS for Everyone, David E. Davis, Third Edition (2003), ESRI Press

(2) Spying with Maps, Mark Monmonier, University of Chicago Press (2002)

Course Description: 

This course includes an in-depth survey of GIS applications in science (geography, geology, oceanography, archaeology and meteorology), government (city, county, state and federal), and business (marketing, sales and management).  Students will benefit from weekly special topic lectures by persons employed in public and private GIS professions. Topics include data acquisition, accuracy, analysis, presentation, techniques and legal issues for various GIS applications. 

Course Structure: 

The course consists of 50 percent lecture, discussion, presentation and 50 percent practical computer applications.  A GIS related field trip to a local facility may be scheduled during a class session.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of the course the student will be able to do the following:

Understand how various disciplines use GIS technology.

Distinguish which data structure is best suited to specific applications and explain why.

Recognize and define what software and hardware is necessary for different GIS applications.

Define methods and problems associated with acquisition and accuracy of data used in specific GIS applications.

Determine what methods of spatial analysis are best suited to specific GIS applications.

Compare how different types of GIS applications are managed in science, business and government.

Interview for employment opportunities with an understanding of different approaches to GIS in science, business or government.

Prepare a proposal recommending equipment purchase for a computer lab. 

Explain how a GIS application can be implemented and construct a sample GIS application.

Interpret employment position descriptions and the many acronyms of GIS.

Define what costs and benefits can be expected from the use of GIS for a specific application.

Evaluate GIS as an effective tool in decision-making processes in a specific GIS application.

Integrate the relayed experience of guest lecturers and assigned readings into a problem-solving situation the student encounters in the future.

Grading System: 

Chapter-related Student Presentation  (Potential 100 points, for each student’s participation individually)   

Each student will choose a topic from assigned readings and lectures to present to the class.  Grades for presentations will depend on visuals, handouts, organization and demonstrated familiarity with the chosen topic.  Presentations should be a minimum of 20 minutes, maximum 30 minutes.  Depending on class size and special circumstances, a presentation can be extended to one hour with instructor approval.   Presentations can be coordinated by a group.  For instance, power point presentation, GIS demonstration, guest lecture from professional in field for question and answer session, facilitate a discussion or moderate a debate, demonstration of web sites related to assigned readings, and so on.  Please consult with the instructor for the date you plan to do your presentation.  The instructor for the session of your presentation is responsible for coordinating, assessing and posting your grade for this assignment.

This assignment will be peer evaluated using the following rubric. 

Point Distribution

Parameter           Poor             Good        Excellent

Time (20-30 minutes) 2 4 6 8 10

thoroughness of coverage 2 4 6 8 10

articulate speaking style 2 4 6 8 10

quality of visual aids, graphics, and handouts 2 4 6 8 10

ability to address questions and clarify issues 2 4 6 8 10

Student Presenter Critiques (potential 50 points, plus extra credit):

Students are required to submit ten presenter critiques for five points each and may earn additional 5 points extra credit for each presenter critique submitted beyond the requirement, for a maximum 25 points extra credit.  Presenter critique forms will be distributed the first week of the course.  

Practical Applications   Each instructor will assign practicum during their session (refer to schedule) for a total potential 50 points for each instructor practicum, totaling a potential 200 points for the course.  These GIS practical applications are related to weekly lectures and demonstrations by the instructor and will be assigned on a weekly basis.  Practical applications will be graded by the instructor for that session and therefore will be turned in at the end of each week.  

Additionally, students will complete 5 out of 6 chapter exercises in “GIS for Everyone” and turn in screen captures as evidence of chapter completion.  These are assigned weekly but are due on the last day of class - and will be graded on that day.

Grading Scheme

Practical Applications

Instructor Practicum 200 points

Chapter Exercises   50 points 

Chapter-related Student Presentation 100 points

Presenter critiques (10 for 5 points each)   50 points

TOTAL 400 points

MULTIPLY POINTS ACHIEVED BY 0.25 EQUALS 

STANDARD GRADE SCALE: 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, <60=F

Extra Credit: 25 points, Certificate of Completion for a Virtual Campus course or Workshop (www.esri.com).  Due the last day of class.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Texts:

 GIS for Everyone

 Spying with Maps

Academic Calendar  Assigned Reading Demonstration/Exercises