Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Discuss how geospatial technologies such as Google Earth have permeated contemporary society. Lab exercise: apply Google Earth applications to the task of amassing background data for site characterization; watershed analysis; and general geomorphic overview information.
2. Compare and contrast datums, coordinate systems, map projections and the state plane coordinate system. Lab exercise: perform the translation of latitude and longitude coordinates into Universe Transverse Mercator; calculate and compare distance measurements to surface distance calculations; discuss the results.
3. Describe the components of georeferencing and demonstrate how geographic information software can be used to transform geospatial data. Lab exercise: analyze unreferenced images and sources for appropriate point locations; perform transformations on unreferenced data; evaluate the results of the procedure.
4. Discuss the origins of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and identify the components, applications and limitations of GPS. Lab exercise: examine and discuss satellite availability charts; interpret a Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) chart and determine values for a particular graphic location; discuss and present results.
5. Identify the key characteristics of attribute, vector, and raster data and describe which data types are best suited to specific applications. Lab exercise: evaluate characteristics of spatial data: coordinate system, datum and project information; explore and evaluate data within attribute tables; derive descriptive statistics from attribute data; summarize and discuss results.
6. Utilize GIS software to perform database queries, create buffers and perform overlay operations; present and discuss results. Lab exercise: construct database queries; create and apply buffers around points, lines and polygons; select various criteria to perform simple spatial analysis; summarize and discuss results.
7. Describe how the scientific method applies to formulating geospatial research questions and hypotheses. Lab Exercise: complete tutorial and exercise in library database usage and exploration – tools, methods and applications – apply library research tools to investigating geospatial research questions; present research articles to class.
8. Identify primary and secondary sources, discuss their differences, and demonstrate how to use the library database to access and effectively cite appropriate references required for scientific investigation.
9. Define the null and alternate hypotheses; discuss the applications of these hypotheses in responding to geospatial research questions; design appropriate research projects to test these hypotheses.
10. Describe and define the key elements necessary to create legible and informative maps and apply fundamental principles to map design and creation; explain rationale behind selecting a given map type and style to represent data. Lab Exercise: utilize ArcGIS operations to plot the results of a geocoding operation; examine basic spatial analysis of locations and their relation to a road network; discuss and summarize results.
11. Identify and discuss the role of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in vehicle navigation systems, street networks and other public works; demonstrate the ability to collect data using GPS. Lab Exercise: practice and apply working with ArcPAD interface; create a personal geodatabase; collect and enter data in the geodatabase; create map; discuss and analyze results.
12. Identify the origins, components and applications of aerial and satellite photos. Lab Exercise: apply the elements of visual image interpretation to identify objects in images; analyze various remotely sensed images; discuss the results.
13. Describe the components and applications of data obtained through remote sensing techniques. Lab Exercise: compare brightness values of distinct water and environmental features in a remotely sensed satellite image to create basic spectral profiles; discuss, summarize and present results.
14. Describe and demonstrate the components of digital topographic maps and discuss the role of digital terrain modeling, digital elevation models, and 3-D views of landscapes and terrains in data presentation. Lab Exercise: compare and contrast various landscape features in multiple Landsat bands; apply visual image interpretations to Landsat imagery; summarize and discuss results.
15. Define and discuss the processes and implications of the applications of different earth observing systems. Lab Exercise: examine the usage and function of Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS); utilize various tools to examine and analyze remotely sensed images; summarize and discuss the data revealed using these techniques; discuss applications to research in the geosciences and other fields.
16. Identify the types and techniques associated with digital landscaping; define and create a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Lab Exercise: Examine and film pseudo 3-D terrain; predict the effects of different levels of vertical exaggeration on the terrain.
17. Discuss the impacts of geospatial technologies on cultural and social trends.
18. Discuss how cultural perspective and background influence the use and accessibility of various geospatial technologies.