Department of Geography and Geology
Eastern Michigan University
Geographic Information System
Fall 2013
Instructor: Dr. Hugh Semple
118D Strong Hall
Tel. 734- 487-8169
Class Website:
Class Time and Location: Wednesdays, 5.30 – 8.10pm 226 Strong Hall.
Course Description
This course introduces students to basic concepts and techniques of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It provides practical expertise needed for capturing, processing and presenting spatial data, as well as a firm background for further theoretical inquiry into GIS. The course consists oflectures, assigned readings, and a series of lab exercises. Lectures are primarily oriented toward understanding theoretical aspects of GIS, while labs exercises are devoted to developing expertise in the use of ArcGIS 10.0 software package. No previous exposure to GIS or mapping is necessary for enrollment in this course.
Facilities
The GIS lab in the Department of Geography and Geology (Rooms 226 & 237, Strong Hall) provides the computing facilities for this course. Students have access to GIS and related software as well as personal computers and other hardware. Access to GIS software is also available in Halle Library. If available, students will also receive evaluation copies of the ArcGIS software for installation on personal computers.
Recommended Texts
GIS Theory
Bolstad, Paul. GIS Fundamentals. A First Text on Geographic Information Systems, Elder Press, Minnesota. Fourth Edition.
Course Assessment
Lab Exercises 40%; 2 Term Tests – 15% each; Weekly Reviews, 10%; Final Project 20%
Please note that the time allotted for labs is not sufficient to complete assignments. You are encouraged to make full use of the computer lab when classes are not in session to complete assignments.
Intended Schedule
Module 1. What is GIS?
Lecture
- Review of syllabus, student accounts.
- Definition of GIS.
- Types of GIS Architecture
- Applications of GIS
- Basic structure of GIS systems
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 1
Lab 1. Mapping Population Distribution in Michigan.
Module 2. Map Design Principles/ Thematic Mapping
a.Map communication and design principles
b.Thematic Maps - Choropleth maps, proportional symbol maps, dot density maps, etc/
Lab 2. Visualizing spatial data.
Module 3. Spatial Data
Lecture
a. Maps as composite entities
b. The use of points, lines, and polygons in GIS to represent spatial objects
c. Structure, uses, advantages and disadvantages of raster and vector data
d. Digital Map Products
Readings: Bolstad Chp. 2 and 7.
Lab 3: Downloading raster and vector data from the Internet to construct a spatial database.
Module 4. Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
Lecture
Datums, Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 3
Lab 4: Changing Map Coordinate. Downloading maps of Washtenaw County that are in State
Plane Coordinates and converting them into Michigan GeoRef Coordinates.
Module 5. Geoprocessing Spatial Data
Lecture
- The need for geoprocessing spatial data
- Geoprocessing techniques – Clipping and merging files, dissolving polygon boundaries, intersecting and unioning spatial features.
Lab 6
Using ArcTool Geoprocessing Wizards to merge files, clipping one file based on another, and dissolving boundaries of small polygons in a map to create larger regions.
Module 6. Digitizing
Lecture
- The need for digitizing
- Digitizing Methods
- Georeferencing
- Digitizing tips
Lab 5
Digitizing sections of an orthophoto to create a vector topographic map containing points, lines, and area features.
Module 7. Attribute Data and Databases
Lecture
- Types of databases – flat files, relational
- Data types - byte, boolean, integers, strings, etc.
- Basic database operations
- Geodatabases
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 8
Lab 7: ArcGIS database operations
Module 8. Elementary Spatial Analysis
Lecture
- Analyzing spatial relationships
- Buffering
- Distance Mapping
- Spatial Queries
- Calculating area, perimeter, and centroids.
- Map Overlays, Habitat Suitability \ Site Suitability Analysis
- Map Algebra
- Modeling
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 9
Lab 8. Finding the best site to locate a school and a warehouse.
Module 9. Address Geocoding, GPS, Spatial Analysis of Points Data
Lecture
Address Geocoding
The Global Positioning System
Spatial Analysis of Points Data
Lab 9. Geocoding addresses using ArcView’s Atlanta’s sample dataset. Analyzing
geocoded points using various point pattern analytical techniques.
Module 10. Terrain or Surface Analysis
Lecture
DEMs
Slopes and aspect
Hillshades
Viewsheds
Watershed delineation
3D Mapping
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 11
Lab 10: Calculating slopes and aspect from interpolated surfaces; displaying data in 3D and
conducting analysis.
Module 11. Spatial Interpolation
Lecture
Digital Terrain Models
IDW and spline methods for interpolating data
Terrain Analysis
Readings: Bolstad Chapter 12
Lab 11: Interpolating statistical surfaces
Module 12. Final Project
As part of your course work, you are required to conceptualize and execute a GIS project. The project is intended to strengthen your understanding of the procedures involved in solving a problem using GIS. In order to successfully complete the project in the limited amount of time available, students will work in groups consisting of two students. You are responsible for forming your groups.
Project topics should be selected based on group interests, but the problem you decide to work on should reflect one or more techniques and concepts we covered in class.
You should set specific deadlines for completing various aspects of your project in order to ensure that the work is completed in time for class presentation and submission of the final report. Some of the project milestones include:
1. Selection of project topic.
2. Discussion of project outline with instructor.
3. Data collection
5. Data analysis.
4. Oral presentation in last week of class.
Additional information on the group project will be given during class.
Grading Scheme
A 93 - 100% B 83 – 86% C 73 – 76% D 63 – 66%
A - 90 - 92% B - 80 – 82% C- 70 – 72 D- 60 -62
B+ 87 - 89% C+ 77 – 79% D+ 67 – 69% E 59 and Less
Course Expectations
1. All written assignments must be word processed. Maps should be neatly drawn and reflect professional cartographic standards.
2. You are encouraged to adopt a team approach when working on GIS problems, but your individual assignments will be your own work. Students should be aware of EMU’s policy on plagiarism and the associated penalties.