GIS 302 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is an introduction to GIS theory and application. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how geospatial features are represented and captured as data and how these data can be managed, analyzed and presented using state-of-the-art GIS tools. Hands-on expertise will be developed with ESRI's ArcGIS for Pro software. This material is continued in GIS 303. This course or equivalent credit is required to continue in the ADGIS program.
Prerequisites: Admission into ADGIS/GWAC/BGIS program
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 7.5 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 6 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Apply GIS theory and concepts to answer spatial questions
- Create, import, manage, join, relate, explore, analyze and display geospatial data using ESRI’s ArcGIS for Pro software, Microsoft Excel and Windows Explorer
- Describe the essential components and architecture of a commonly used commercial GIS software
- Design and produce thematic maps, applying basic cartographic principles to improve map layouts and communication
- Identify and compare different GIS data models, and convert between vector data models as needed
- Identify and compare coordinate system and datum used in geographic data. Set and convert spatial reference systems, and correctly utilize project-on-the-fly to represent your data on a map layout
Teaching and Learning Approach
Traditional lectures will be combined with lab exercises, use of software, manipulation of data, creation of
maps and answering technical questions in a computer laboratory setting. The concepts will then be applied
to a range of natural resource and planning examples and exercises taken from the real world. Case studies
and projects from the Kootenay Region and BC will be emphasized. Students will use, import or convert
data in variety of different formats (csv, kml, shapefile, geodatabase). Lab deliverable will include maps,
answering questions, and data projects. Students will be tested using both theory and practical exams.Learning Resources
Required:
We will be utilizing a variety of online esri exercises and open textbook/online references in lieu of a
workbook.
Recommended either:
Price, Maribeth. 2023. 2nd edition. Mastering ArcGIS Pro. McGraw Hill Education.
· Available for a 6 month rental period: https://www.vitalsource.com/en-ca/products/ise-ebook-online-access-for-
mastering-arcgis-pro-maribeth-price-v9781265626983?
gclid=CjwKCAjwloynBhBbEiwAGY25dCHiplsXKP6tZvVM6D94quLCKgeg5m3amFKUbLel07u3X5DG5eYzPRoCdoMQAvD_BwE
Jensen, John & Ryan Jensen. 2013. Introductory Geographic Information Systems. Pearson Series in
Geographic Information Science
· https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Jensen-Introductory-Geographic-Information-
Systems/PGM290591.htmlDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to the Course Management System and GIS
2. Intro to GIS Theory, Terms and Concepts, and ArcGIS pro Data Formats: Coverage, Shapefiles, Geodatabase Raster and Vector data
3. Intro to Cartography Datums, Projections and Coordinate Systems
4. Midterm Selecting Features by Attribute Queries Apply understanding of coordinate systems/datums/projections
5. Joining and Relating Tables by Attribute Spatial Relationships Spatial Queries and Joins
6. GIS Data Capture Spatial Data Accuracy, Editing, Topology and Review for Final
7. Thanksgiving Monday - no classes Final Exam Prep
8. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Set up and apply commonly used tools in course management system. Download, extract, and data. Demonstrate use of GIS software to open | manage 2 data | 4% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Answer related to the architecture of the software and | questions 2, 3 basic tools | 4% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Create layout, symbolize and label different types of labs) | a map data (two 2, 4 | 9% |
| Complete workbook tutorials and lab exercises. to manage spatial reference systems used in data and answer questions | Apply tools geospatial 1, 2, 6 | 4% |
| Midterm (theory portion â€" closed book, practical open book) | portion â€" 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 | 20% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Create geodatabase, copy or import data between different models. Query data to answer questions | a file data 1, 2, 5 | 4% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Use excel a lookup table. Join and relate data and create layout. | to create a map 1, 2, 4 | 5% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Answer related to geo-processing tools and exploring spatial queries and joins | questions data using 1, 2 | 5% |
| Complete workbook and lab exercises. Use editing create data. Create a map layout to display the created Complete workbook and lab exercises. Use Map | tools to data you 1, 2, 4 and | 5% |
| Geodatabase topology tools to error check data. and fix datasets in excel and import into ArcGIS Create and share data | Clean 1, 2, 5 pro. | 5% |
| Project: Demonstrate professional file management data | of GIS 1, 2, 3 | 5% |
| Final Exam (theory portion â€" closed book, practical â€" open book) | portion 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 | 5, 30 |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.