[GEO 106] Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences

Introduction

During the semester, students will examine the "tools of the geographer," the techniques used to solve geographic problems on a daily basis. Students will consider the concepts and issues related to geographic data, maps, remotely sensed images (aerial photographs and satellite images), global positioning systems (GPSs), geographic information systems (GISs), and spatial analysis. Students will be exposed to primary source material from government agencies and major corporations to demonstrate how these geographic techniques are currently being used to solve problems that face society today. Additionally, students will work online to gather information and solve problems using some of the most sophisticated websites available for geographic analysis.

The techniques that students will examine are not just in the domain of the geographer. They are used in several different disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, biology, forestry, environmental studies, oceanography, geology, marketing, and health sciences, to name just a few. By the end of the semester students should be familiar with the fundamental concepts of these geographic techniques and be aware of how they are applied to solve spatial problems. These concepts can be applied both professionally or as the foundation for more advanced course work.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for GEO 106: Survey of Geographic Information Science (GIS) - 4 credits. An introduction to methods for organizing and interpreting spatial information using state-of-the-art techniques and tools of geographic information sciences. These include remote sensing, computer cartography, global positioning systems (GPS) and spatial analysis. Hands-on experiences provide a foundation for higher level courses and applications across the disciplines, e.g. anthropology, sociology, planning, history, as well as geography, geology, and climatology. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Natural Sciences (NS) and Laboratory Sciences (LS).

As a result of taking this course, students will become familiar with the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of techniques of the geographic information sciences, including computer mapping, geographic information systems, remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPSs), and spatial analysis. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the nature of geographic data and knowledge of several key sources of geographic information. Through the examination of specific applications, students will be introduced to how the geographic information sciences are used by various government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as by the business world.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• interpret and synthesize information and ideas;
• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• interpret graphs, tables, and diagrams;
• read, observe, and listen with comprehension and critical perception;
• gather and assess information from printed sources, electronic sources, and observation.

Department-specific proficiencies assigned to this course

By completing this course, students will

• understand the broad scope of geography and how the the techniques of geographic information science are used by several disciplines to solve spatial problems;
• understand the nature of geographic data, spatial distributions, area associations, scales of geographic inquiry, and the use of historic geographic data;
• understand of the fundamentals of maps, including methods of location, map projections, map scale, and map symbolization, as well the different types of maps;
• understand the use of aerial photographs in conducting geographic research;
• understand the basic principles of the use of satellite imagery in collecting and analyzing geographic data;
• understand the use of global positioning systems (GPSs) and how they have become integrated into our everyday lives;
• understand the fundamental concepts and uses of geographic information systems (GISs) and how they act as both an enabling and integrating technology in our society;
• develop insight into how spatial analysis is used to solve real world problems;
• develop an appreciation of the wide use of geographic information sciences in our society to aid in the solution of everyday problems.

Requirements

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader.

  You will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is free and freely distributed software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, please download it by visiting Adobe's website.

About the Instructors

• Jim McCluskey
  Senior Lecturer, Geography
  BA, East Carolina University
  MA, East Carolina University
  PhD, Rutgers University