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MONTGOMERY COLLEGE- DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
GEOGRAPHY 261: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
FALL 2006
PROFESSOR: SAL DIMARIA OFFICE: TECHNICAL CENTER 209 TELEPHONE: 240-567-7596 E-MAIL: sal.dimaria@montgomerycollege.edu OFFICE HOURS: M, W, 1:00-2:30; and by appointment
TEXT- Price, Maribeth, Mastering ArcGIS, 2nd edition
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and will familiarize you with the most widely used GIS, ArcView, a part of the ArcGIS package. Using ArcView we will examine the analytical abilities and map creation capabilities of GIS. Through demonstrations and hands-on computer use you will learn to display and analyze spatial data, query databases, change the nature of the spatial data, and design maps for presentations. By the end of the semester, you should understand the way a GIS is used to manage spatial data and you should have the skills necessary to manage spatial databases and create appropriate maps from the databases. You will also apply these skills in several Lab Assignments and a Term Project.
CLASS PREPARATION AND FORMAT
This class is designed to introduce both GIS concepts and hands-on skills in GIS operations. Consequently, we will build on previously learned material and skills as we go along. You should read the assigned textbook chapters before the respective lectures. Preparing this way will help prevent information overload and give you the background to what is being covered that week in class. Since the class meets only once per week, it is critical that you keep up with the readings and practice the GIS operations covered in class. Though some time for practice and lab assignments is built-in during class periods, you will likely need to schedule some extra lab time during the week. You will also need extra time (especially near the end of the semester) to work on your Term Project. If extra time in the lab will be a problem for you, you may wish to reconsider this class. To allow you extra time, the GIS lab will be open during the week and on Saturdays (exact hours to be determined).
I usually begin the class with a lesson on that week’s topics, then conduct the class as a lab where you will have time to practice the accompanying skills on your computer. I will be assisting you in this and try to make sure that everyone becomes familiar with the skills needed to accomplish the operations being taught. There will also be time to begin work on that week’s lab assignment, which will be due the following week (see class schedule).
Even if you have had limited experience with computer applications, you should not have any difficulty with learning how ArcView operates. It is a Windows-based software system with menus and buttons and requires few computer skills beyond the use of a mouse and keyboard. You should be familiar with the basic skills of file manipulation such as copying, moving files, and similar operations. The GIS concepts introduced in this class are similarly basic ones concerning spatial data and its manipulation by computer. However, if you feel that some of the material is going over your head, or you are having a difficult time getting the hang of operating ArcView, see me early, so we can discuss it and get you up to speed. Please don't wait until much of the term is over to start working on this problem.
REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!! In fact, in this class it is absolutely vital. The single most important factor in doing well in this (and any) class is regular attendance. Book studying or note borrowing alone cannot substitute for class attendance and laboratory practice. I strongly encourage you to ask questions during class! If you don't understand something, please ask.
ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS POLICY
Since this class meets only one day per week, each class period is absolutely vital to keeping up your skill level and your knowledge of GIS operations. I consider insufficient attendance (excessive absence) as a serious problem, and it may be cause for being dropped from the course. “Excessive absence” is defined by Montgomery College as one more absence than the number of classes per week during a fall or spring semester. Thus, for this class, more than one absence is considered excessive.
I start my classes on time and expect everyone to be in class at the scheduled time for class to begin. Though lateness sometimes cannot be helped, repeated lateness is disrupting to the class and is unacceptable.
As a courtesy to everyone, please turn off cell phones before class begins. Also, as with any computer-based class, do not bring in any beverages or food into the classroom.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me during my office hours. A letter from Disability Support Services authorizing your accommodations will be needed. If you will need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation, please inform the Disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester if you have not already done so. The Disability Support Services is located in the Counseling and Advising Building (CAB), Room 122. Tel: 240-567-5058. The email is: dss@montgomerycollege.edu.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
There will be a total of 1000 points for the course, divided as follows: (1) Three exams, worth 100 points each (see the schedule for exam dates). The two exams during the semester will cover only the lecture and reading material after the previous exam. The final exam will be an in-class lab assignment. The best of the three exams will be weighted 50%, the others will be weighted 25% each. (2) Ten Lab Assignments, worth 35 points each, and (4) A Term Project, due at the last class meeting, worth 350 points, AND REQUIRED TO PASS THE COURSE.
You are responsible for the material in both the lectures and the assigned text readings.
MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN ONLY FOR VALID, DOCUMENTED REASONS (MEDICAL, OTHER EMERGENCY). LAB ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING CLASS AND WILL BE DUE THE FOLLOWING CLASS SESSION FOR FULL CREDIT. IF TURNED IN LATE THEY WILL BE PENALIZED TEN POINTS AND THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER TWO WEEKS. FAILURE TO TURN IN THE TERM PROJECT WHEN DUE (AGAIN, ONLY FOR VALID, DOCUMENTED REASONS) WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF I(INCOMPLETE), WHICH WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO AN F AFTER 4 WEEKS INTO THE FOLLOWING TERM UNLESS THE PROJECT IS SUBMITTED BEFORE THE END OF THOSE 4 WEEKS.
Since the exams and assignments are worth 1000 points, the final grade will be based on the following scale:
900-1000 points (90-100%)= A 800-899 points (80-89%) = B 700-799 points (70-79%) = C 600-699 points (60-69%) = D under 600 points (< 60%) = F (also given for unexcused failure to turn in Term Project)
Midterm grades will be based on the points earned from the first exam and several Lab Assignments. A steady or dramatic improvement during the term (from one exam or Lab Assignment to the next, or a really impressive Term Project) will help in borderline grade situations.
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
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karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu
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