|
|
|
|
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE- DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
GEOGRAPHY 263: ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
SPRING 2006
PROFESSOR: SAL DIMARIA OFFICE: TECHNICAL CENTER 209 TELEPHONE: 240-567-7596 E-MAIL: sal.dimaria@montgomerycollege.edu OFFICE HOURS: M, Th,1:00-2:30; and by appointment (If you cannot see me during these office hours you can usually catch me in my office or in the GIS lab Monday and Thursday afternoons).
TEXTS- ESRI, Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst ESRI, Using ArcGIS 3D Analyst
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will introduce three highly versatile ArcView GIS extensions, Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Network Analyst. Using these extensions we will examine the advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities of GIS. Through demonstrations and hands-on computer use you will learn to display and analyze grid, 3D, and networked data; create databases; change the nature of the data; and solve complex spatial problems. By the end of the semester, you should understand the way a GIS is used to manage various forms of spatial data and you should have the skills necessary to analyze and solve surface, 3-dimensional, and networking geographic problems. You will also apply these skills in several Lab Assignments and a Term Project.
CLASS PREPARATION AND FORMAT
This class is designed to introduce advanced GIS concepts and teach hands-on skills in advanced GIS operations. Consequently, we will build on previously learned material and skills from either GE261 (“Introduction to GIS”), an equivalent course, or appropriate work experience. 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 practice time is built-in during class periods, you will need to schedule some extra practice 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).
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.
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).
The lessons and pace of the class will assume that you are familiar with ArcView’s basic operations. You should be familiar with the skills of data manipulation such as copying themes, moving files, editing tables, and similar operations. You should also know how to project data, manipulate views, create layouts, use querying operations, and carry out other basic functions. The GIS concepts introduced in this class are advanced concepts concerning complex data and its manipulation by a GIS. 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 get you up to speed. Please don't wait until much of the term is over to start working on this problem.
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 will be taking attendance at the beginning of class. 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 pagers, phones, etc. 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 (3) 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
|
|
Send mail to
karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu
with questions or comments about this web site.
|
