GE 152

Montgomery College

Rockville Campus

Department of Applied Technology

Course Syllabus – Fall 2006

GE152 Interpretation of Geographic Imagery: Use and Analysis

Wednesday 6:00 – 9:30 pm

Instructor: Tara Wallace

Office Hours: Wednesday 5:30 – 6:00 pm

Office: TEC237

Daytime number: 301-713-2745 ext 150 (NOAA) 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

E-mail: tara.Wallace@noaa.gov

Text: Paine, David & James Kiser. Aerial Photography and Image Interpretation, 2^nd ed., Wiley & Sons, 2003.

Aerial Photos and stereoscopes – provided in class

INTRODUCTION: Remote sensing involves the examination of and obtaining information about an object or phenomenon at a distance from it, without physical contact with it by use of some type of sensor. Image interpretation is highly dependent on the capacity of one to generalize. Learning to identify objects on aerial imagery means studying known features on many photographs so that one can associate characteristics, i.e. shape, size, tone, pattern, shadow, texture, and location. Eventually, mental processes permit the user to make logical recognitions of unknown objects based on key features from known objects. Includes use of aerial photographs, images from radar, and satellite images.

v Map and remote sensing image evaluation

v History, theory, and techniques of map and remote sensing analysis

v Examination of the reliability and utility of maps and remote sensing imagery for solving geographical problems

v Interpretation of cultural and natural phenomena using these types of images

OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students should have a better understanding and appreciation of map and image interpretation. Also, students’ knowledge of physical and cultural features as they appear on maps and photo images should be enhanced. As a result, students should feel comfortable identifying objects in a variety of maps and photos.

COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows: *600 points total

**Exams = 2 @ 100 points

***Class Exercises = 100 points (5 @ 20 pts each)

****Assignments = 75 points (3 @ 25 pts each)

*****Field Trip = 75 points

******Final Project = 150 points

*Final grade will be determined on the following scale:

90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F

**You will have two exams. A verbal outline will be given prior to the exam. Do not forget the exam date. The make-up (essay) will be given at the regularly scheduled time for final exams. After the exams have been graded, they will be returned to the students for review and discussion. The exam will include lecture notes, texts, videos, assignments, exercises and special handouts.

***You will have five class exercises throughout the semester pertaining to lecture material. Students will have lab time to work on these exercises. Exercises will be due at the end of the class period. No exceptions.

****There will be three assignments administered throughout the semester to enhance learning material. Each assignment will be given two weeks to complete. Students are also welcome to use the lab outside of class time provided no other class is in session. Due to security issues, you will need to have an advance appointment if the room is locked. Late assignments will be reduced one letter grade and not accepted after one week.

*****There will be one field trip required during the semester in lieu of class. Date, time, directions, and a brief description will be given in advance. If unable to attend – a research project will be assigned.

******In lieu of a final exam, a final project will be required for this course. This project will require out-of-class time. In addition, there may be minimal expense: gas money, metro-rail, or lunch money that you will find necessary to complete the project. One class period will be forfeited to compensate for additional time needed – refer to schedule.

Supplies needed: ruler; compass (dividers); calculator; colored pencils or pens. You will discover that other items are desirable and not reflected on this list.

NOTE: It is very important that you communicate with me effectively! I encourage all of you to stay in contact with me via phone, e-mail, or appointments. I will make myself available to you during the week by appointment. Otherwise, I do have office hours before class on Tuesday and Wednesday. I want this semester and your geography course to be a positive experience; therefore I will strive to make it productive, educational, and enjoyable!

Participation and attendance is important for the material presented in this course. Excessive absence will reduce your grade for the course.

Honor code will be in effect for the student in the performance of class participation, assignments, and examinations. Work groups and research teams are encouraged as long as the individual effort is recognizable in the final product.

Disability Support Services: Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment with Rose Sachs at 240-567-5077. A letter from Disability Support Services authorizing your accommodations will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the Disability Support Services Office, which is located at 122CB.

Assessment level: All students are required to have the required assessment level and prerequisites (unless approved by the professor) as stated in the college catalog under class descriptions.