EARTH 210 - Introduction to GIS

Credits: 4
Lecture Contact Hours: 4
Description: This course covers the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications. GIS applies to various fields in and outside of the geosciences, and it includes topics and skills in mapping, spatial analysis, and data exploration. The course will utilize modern GIS software that is commonly used by global institutions and industries.

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: Winter, Fall
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Course Competencies

Explore various GIS software packages.
Provide examples of the analysis performed by GIS.
Explain the components and functionality of GIS.
Compare and contrast the differences and similarities between GIS and other information systems.
Explain the foundations of GIS and how geographic information is stored in computers, including map projections and the two types of GIS data models.
Conduct spatial analysis using GIS software.
Create maps and charts using GIS and other suitable software.
Explain how databases are linked to GIS.
Explain how remotely sensed images are imported into GIS.
Display spatial and tabular data.
Edit spatial and tabular data.
Explain why data standards are an important issue in GIS.
Explore sources for GIS data and information.
Utilize additional graphical software to edit and finalize maps created by a GIS software.