GEOG 225 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - GIS

Credits: 4
Lecture Contact Hours: 4
Description: This course provides an introduction to basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts through in-class discussions and hands-on assignments using ArcGIS. The course includes theory, mapping techniques, data collection and compilation and data analysis. Topics include implementation of a GIS, current applications, legal issues and the future of GIS.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science
This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

This Course is Typically Offered: Fall, Winter
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Course Competencies

Provide examples of the analysis GIS can perform.
Explain the relationships among a GIS, computer assisted cartography (CAC) and computer assisted drafting (CAD).
Explain the difference between data and information.
Demonstrate familiarity with the basic hardware and software components of a GIS.
Summarize the issues involved in creating a GIS project.
Explain why data standards are an important issue in GIS.
Explain, with examples, how an improved spatial or geographic vocabulary improves your perception of the world.
Explain the relationships among nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio scales of data measurement and give examples for point, line, area and surface features.
Display spatial and tabular data.
Edit spacial and tabular data.
Create presentation maps and charts.
Explain the difference between topological and nontopological data models.
Explain how databases are linked to GIS.
Explain how remotely sensed images are imported into GIS.
Predict some of the problems that might be encountered when conducting data analysis with GIS.