Special Topics in Natural Sciences: “Geographic Information Systems and its Applications in Environmental Studies”

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Course Code: 
400582
Course Outline: 

Introduction:

 This course will introduce a number of spatial analysis techniques that will help students manipulate environmental spatial data. In its introduction, the course will review basic GIS raster and vector operations, as well as it will introduce their theoretical background. After that the course will introduce the basic overlay and spatial analysis methods and techniques implemented in ArcGIS. The presentation of overlay and spatial analysis in the class will not be heavily theoretical; instead, hands-on exercises and mini projects will be used to help students develop proficiency in various spatial analysis methods with special emphasis on location analysis and land suitability analysis.

At its end, students should be able to recognize situations where ArcGIS spatial analysis capabilities could assist with spatial modeling of their spatial data. Finally, students are required to submit and present final projects in order to make sure that they have gained critical thinking skills as they solve problems based on real-world issues.

Course Objective:

The main objective of the course is to strengthen the theoretical knowledge and developing the practical sense of spatial analysis. Students are expected to gain the necessary knowledge and techniques about different types of spatial data analysis. In addition, students are expected to apply knowledge gained in a practical project.

Grading:

Midterm: 20%

Weekly Exercises and Assignments: 10%

Paper Critique and Presentation: 10%

Final Project  Presentation: 10%

Final Exam: 50%


Topics

Number of weeks

Main Topic

Subtopics

2 weeks

Introduction to GIS

- What is GIS

- Components of GIS

- Spatial Referencing

- Systems and Projections

Lab

- Exploring Arc Map and Arc Catalogue

- Geo-referencing and Projecting Spatial Data

2 weeks

Spatial Database Structures and Data Models 

- Vector data model

- Raster data model

- Vector vs. raster data models

- Vector spatial operations

- Raster spatial operations

Lab

- Working with attributes: investigating Data Management and Data Analysis toolboxes

- Working with raster data: investigating spatial analyst toolbox

2 weeks

Applications of GIS in Environmental Studies

 - Discussion of two case studies related to the students’ interests

- Planning a GIS  project

Lab

In class mini project

2 weeks

Applications of GIS in Environmental Studies

- Discussion of two case studies related to the students’ interests

- Data collection and assembling

- Data preparation

Lab

In class mini project

2 weeks

Applications of GIS in Environmental Studies

- Discussion of three case studies related to the students’ interests

- Data analysis

Lab

In class mini project/ Working on the final project

2 weeks

Applications of GIS in Environmental Studies

- Discussion of three case studies related to the students’ interests

- Data presentation

Lab

Working on the final project

3 weeks

Applications of GIS in Environmental Studies

- Discussion of six case studies related to the students’ interests

Lab

Working on the final project

1 week

Final and Presentations

Textbook and References:

Bolstad, P. (2007). GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems , 3rd Edition. Eider Press.

Booth, B. & Mitchel, A. (2001). Getting Started with ArcGIS. ESRI Press.

DeBy, R., Knippers, R. & Sun, Y. (2001). Principles of Geographic Information Systems: An Introductory Textbook. ITC Educational Textbook Series 1.

ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) (2002). Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. ESRI Press.

Ormsby, T., Napoleon, E., Burke, B. & Groessl, C. ( 2010). Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop.  ESRI Press.