G&ES 392 is an Advanced GIS course which deals with the applications of ArcGIS and more specifically the use of different extensions of ArcGIS 10 as well as some open-source GIS software. This course will move ahead from GIS I and will focus on geometric transformation, data exploration, vector data analysis, raster data analysis, terrain mapping and analysis, viewshed and watershed analysis, spatial interpolation, geocoding and dynamic segmentation, least cost path and network analysis, GIS models and modeling, and open-source GIS applications.

Learning Outcomes: This course focuses on advanced topics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and is intended for students who have already acquired an introductory knowledge of the field. By the end of the course, students will have obtained:

• Understanding of the technical, scientific and organizational aspects of a successful GIS project
• Substantial hands-on experience in the use of ArcGIS 10 and its extensions
• Exposure to and introductory knowledge of new open-source GIS applications

Assessment

Grading (weighted as follows):

• Midterm Exam: 20% U & G
• Lab Exercises: 50% for Undergrads, 40% for Grads
• Final Exam: 20% U & G
• Final Project: 0% U; 10% G (Graduate Students only)
• Discussion/Participation: 10% U & G

Midterm Exam (20% U & G): The Midterm exam that will represent 20% of your grade. Exam questions will be multiple choice, T/F or short answer and will cover material covered in class. A list of terms to study for will be provided before each exam. You must take the exam at the assigned time. If you are concerned about missing an exam please speak to me well in advance.

Lab Exercises (50% U; 40% G): There will be 12 lab exercises and the lowest two lab scores may be dropped. There will be no makeup labs.

Final Exam (20% U & G): There will be one Final exam that will represent 20% of your grade. Exam questions will be multiple choice or short answer and will cover material covered in class. A list of terms to study for will be provided before each exam. You must take the exam at the assigned time. If you are concerned about missing an exam please speak to me well in advance.

Final Project (0% U; 10% G): Applies only to graduate students. The Final Project will comprise 10% of their total grade. Details will be discussed in class midway through the semester.

Discussion/Participation: (10% U & G): Each week before the lab portion of the class we will discuss an article relevant to that week’s lab assignment. Graduate students will be required to lead one discussion during the semester. A different Graduate student(s) will be selected each week to lead the discussion and to provide a one page summary on D2L the day before class by 8pm (Wednesday). The brief write up will describe the purpose of the research article, the applicability of that week’s lab topic to the research, a summary of the methodology, and a report on the results. This portion of the grade represents 10% of the total grade. Graduate students will be graded for the preparation and thoroughness of their discussion lead and their overall discussion participation, while Undergraduates will be graded solely for their weekly participation.

Final grades will be determined as follows: A (more than 90%), B (80% to 90%), C (70% to 80%), D (55% to 70%), and F (less than 55%).

Class Policies

Class Etiquette: : Please be punctual and turn cell-phones off prior to class. Laptop use is limited to note taking only (and not for the internet). Respect, courtesy and tolerance should be extended to all other students. Although roll will not be taken, students are expected to attend every class.

Late Work: Please be advised that there will be no make-up lab work. Also, there will be no make-up for the exams unless you experience a documented emergency or an excused absence. Incomplete grades will not be given.

Academic Honesty: Be honest. Cheaters never prosper.

Questions and/or Concerns: Emails are more than welcome and I will try to respond to them in a timely manner (definitely within 24 hours, usually sooner). If you are having problems with the course material, please contact me as soon as possible.