GEOG 104 Introduction to Concepts and Methods of Geospatial Information

This course provides students an overview of the concepts and technical methods utilized in gathering, analyzing, and presenting geospatial information within the context of addressing topic areas such as environmental monitoring, situational awareness, disaster management, and human systems. The course is a gateway to technical classes in Geography. Students will develop a broad understanding of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T). Key topics include the basics of locational reference systems, map projections, satellite and airborne remote sensing, global navigation satellite systems, geographic information systems, and cartography.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Gain a broad understanding of the concepts associated with geography, cartography, and their associated research methodologies, including remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and geographic information systems (GIS).
2. Apply geographical concepts to use geographic coordinate systems, analyze basic statistical data, and understand the techniques and tools to construct maps using computer databases.
3. Describe contemporary issues surrounding map accuracy and map visualization globally.
4. Discuss issues surrounding Global Earth Observation Systems to understand how such issues influence and are shaped by contemporary geographic, economic, social, and political dimensions.
5. Analyze the natural and human-induced environmental processes through geospatial analysis.
6. Select the appropriate technological tool to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different geographic information systems.
7. Effectively use the appropriate technological tool to discuss advantages and disadvantages of different geographic information systems.
8. Use the selected technological tool to effectively communicate and collaborate with peers.
9. Write clearly and effectively using appropriate, relevant, and properly attributed content that demonstrates the writer’s understanding of Concepts and Methods of Geospatial Information.

Course Objectives

1. Gain a broad understanding of the concepts associated with geography, cartography, and their associated research methodologies, including remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and geographic information systems (GIS).

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment
2. Apply geographical concepts to use geographic coordinate systems, analyze basic statistical data, and understand the techniques and tools to construct maps using computer databases.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • course assignment
3. Describe contemporary issues surrounding map accuracy and map visualization globally.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC1
4. Discuss issues surrounding Global Earth Observation Systems to understand how such issues influence and are shaped by contemporary geographic, economic, social, and political dimensions.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC2
5. Analyze the natural and human-induced environmental processes through geospatial analysis.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC3
6. Select the appropriate technological tool to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different geographic information systems.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Technological Literacy Rubric
7. Effectively use the appropriate technological tool to discuss advantages and disadvantages of different geographic information systems.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Technological Literacy Rubric
8. Use the selected technological tool to effectively communicate and collaborate with peers.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Technological Literacy Rubric
9. Write clearly and effectively using appropriate, relevant, and properly attributed content that demonstrates the writer’s understanding of Concepts and Methods of Geospatial Information.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • course assignment