FOR 557 Course Outline 2017

Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management Session: Fall 2017
SUNY-ESF

FOR 557 Fundamentals of GIS
Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR: Eddie Bevilacqua (301 Bray Hall, 470-6697, [email protected])

OFFICE HOURS: Open door, or by appointment

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES: Lectures & Labs MWF 10:35 –11:30 am (314 Baker)

WEB PAGE: http://blackboard.syr.edu

PROVERBS: “I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.”
“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail”

PREREQUISITES:

 No formal prerequisites, but students are expected to have
 basic math skills (geometry & trigonometry) and
 computer skills (organizing files and folders, downloading and uncompressing files)

REQUIRED TEXT:

 Theobald, David M. 2013. GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods: Basics 5th ed. (PDF version).
 Theobald, David M. 2013. GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods: Advanced 5th ed. (PDF

version).

Available at: http://www.consplan.com. ($30)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful computer software tool used to collect,
store, manage, categorize, transform, and analyze data that is spatially referenced; that is, has
spatial coordinates. Similar to database management systems (DBMS), GIS accumulate facts
(data), aid in our ability to assign significance to those facts, and create knowledge
(information). But, in addition, GIS further enhances our understanding of spatial relationships
between data elements. Although GIS has an incredible capacity to reveal and highlight spatial
relationships, the GIS user must ultimately determine the relevance and value of this
information within a given context. This course can increase your value as a professional by
growing your critical thinking and learning skills while increasing your technical proficiency in the
use of GIS.

In this course we will be using ESRI's ArcGIS v.10.4 software to learn how to use vector and
raster GIS.

This course is NOT a broad introductory course on geospatial analysis, but rather, explores in
detail the workings and use of a complex geographic information system (GIS). You will learn
basic general principles of any GIS, including relevant terminology, concepts, processes, tools,
and culture, by using ESRI’s ArcGIS software program. This course is designed to facilitate your
growth of this knowledge through assessment and evaluation of your performance in
information processing, critical thinking, and problem solving.

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MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES OR COMPETENCIES:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Operate the ESRI ArcGIS v.10.4 geographic information system at an intermediate level.

Specifically,
a) Download, preview and manage geographic data in ArcCatalog
b) Add data to an ArcMap project
c) Identify common coordinate systems and projections for data that do not have metadata
d) Define projections and reproject data into new projections or coordinate systems
e) Access feature information in different ways
f) Manipulate how features are symbolized and labeled on a map
2) Create and Edit point, line, and polygon data
a) Create shapefiles and Feature Classes in ArcCatalog
b) Create and use GeoDataBases and their component data structures in ArcCatalog
c) Add new features to vector datasets by importing coordinate data and by heads-up

digitizing from high resolution orthoimagery in ArcMap
3) Conduct spatial analyses

a) Use different GeoProcessing tools (ArcToolbox) to carry out spatial and non-spatial
analyses

b) Effectively use feature classes, feature data sets, and grids in a GeoDataBase
4) Apply GIS technology to solve spatial problems. Specifically,

a) Develop cartographic models to answer questions
b) Use the ArcGIS Modelbuilder to efficiently apply GeoProcessing tools within a

cartographic model
5) Produce effective maps

a) Apply basic cartographic principles when creating a map

EVALUATION TOOLS

1) Exercises and Assignments: There are several kinds of exercises;

a) Eight exercises from the Esri E-LearningWebinars.

b) Eight class exercises you will solve problems with little or no instruction.

2) Term Project

Students are required to complete a term project of their choice, in which they will apply
the spatial skills and knowledge learned in this course to a specific problem of their interest.
Part of the term project will include a short presentation of your project to the class. All
students in the class MUST attend the presentations -- it counts.

3) Quizzes: There are two forms of quizzes;

a) Each exercise in the ESRI on-line courses ends with a quiz. You can take them several
times so there is no reason not to get a 10/10! You submit these quizzes by uploading to
the course website a screen shot (JPG or PDF) of your exam results.

b) Class quizzes are designed to test your retention of important facts, jargon, and
processes and are generally based on the reading or other assignments for the day of the
quiz -- but may cover earlier material. Since anyone can have a bad day your worst quiz
will be discarded.

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GRADING POLICY:

1. ATTENDANCE:
Class attendance is vital -- absences, for any reason, do not relieve the student of the
responsibility for laboratories, quizzes and lecture materials covered during the absence.

2. ASSIGNMENTS/REPORTS:
 Assignments are due on the date specified in the course schedule, unless stated
otherwise. If you have made mistakes in the solution of an exercises problem I will
allow you to resubmit the work if you have received a score of less than 80%. This
will usually be because you made a mistake early in the analysis procedure and as a
result the entire analysis is incorrect. On your report I will indicate if you should
consider resubmission. The choice is up to you. You have two weeks from the date I
returned the report to resubmit it. You can regain 80% of the points lost through
resubmission.
Late Assignments will be severely penalized:
 50% grade reduction if turned in 1 to 24 hours late;
 100% grade reduction if turned in over 24 hours late!

3. EVALUATION TOOLS: Exercises 50%
Term Project 25%
Quizzes – ESRI on-line courses 15%
Quizzes – in class 10%
TOTAL 100%

4. GRADING SCALE:

Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- F

Min % 93 90 85 80 75 70 68 65 <65

ESRI ON-LINE CLASSES:

First, create an Esri account at: https://accounts.esri.com/

Web Courses you need to complete available at www.esri.com/training
1) Getting Started with GIS
2) Map Design Fundamentals
3) Getting Started with the Geodatabase
4) Referencing Data to Real-World Locations Using ArcGIS
5) Editing in ArcGIS Desktop
6) Solving Spatial Problems Using ArcGIS
7) Using Raster Data for Site Selection
8) Building Models for GIS Analysis Using ArcGIS

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TERM PROJECT

Students are required to complete a term project of their choice, in which they will apply the
spatial skills and knowledge learned in this course to a specific problem of their interest.

Minimum requirements
(requirements can be waived if students can provide sufficient justification for doing so)
Project must:

- include at least three input data layers
- include the use of at least five spatial analysis procedures/tools
- include a final report no more than 5 pages in length (including introduction, objectives,

cartographic model, final map product, and source data references)

Grading rubric Source Data Cartographic Model Cartographic design Oral Presentation
Points Problem/Question Student gathered
data from a variety Student developed Student created a Student clearly
5 Student posed a of quality sources. and implemented well-balanced, demonstrated
thoughtful, creative Sources are of an appropriate professional map mastery of subject
question that appropriate spatial cartographic model that clearly matter,
engaged them in precision and using appropriate communicates communicated
challenging or relevance to the spatial tools to research findings spatial methods
provocative way. problem. produce the desired and contains all the and results using
The question product. essential map advanced
breaks new ground Student gathered elements. presentation skills
or contributes to data from a variety
knowledge in a of sources. Student developed Student created a Student
focused, specific a cartographic map that lacks one communicated
area. Student gathered model using of the following spatial methods
data and displayed appropriate spatial features: balance and results using
4 Student posed a minimal effort in tools, but did not and/or some appropriate
focused question selecting quality implement model essential map presentation skills
involving them in resources. correctly to elements.
challenging produce the desired Student
analysis. Student gathered product. Student created a presentation lacked
data that lacked map that lacks essential features
2-3 Student relevance and Student developed several features, to describe spatial
constructed a quality. a cartographic such as balance methods and
question that lends model using and essential map results
itself to readily inappropriate elements.
available answers spatial tools to Student showed
produce the desired Student showed little evidence of
0-1 Student relied on product. little evidence of understanding
instructor- thoughtful map spatial methods
generated Student showed design. Product and results
questions or little evidence of does not effectively
developed a cartographic model communicate
question requiring design or used research findings.
little creative inappropriate
thought. spatial tools.

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Tentative Weekly schedule

ESRI Class
Exercise
Online
due
Theobald course date

Week Date Lecture/demo Topic Chapters Notes due date EX1

1 08/28 Introduction to course Ex2

08/30 Basics of ArcGIS Desktop I (Chpt 1) Basic: Chpt 1 Ex3

09/01 Nature of Geographic Data & GIS Basic: Chpt 2 Ex4
Ex5
2 09/04 NO CLASS – LABOR DAY Ex6
Ex7
09/06 Basics of ArcGIS Data Management I Course 1
Ex8
09/08 Basics of ArcGIS Data Management II

3 09/11 Data files and GDBs I Course 2

09/13 Data files and GDBs II

09/15 Data files and GDBs III

4 09/18 Coordinates & Projections I Basic: Chpt 3 QUIZ #1 Course 3

09/20 Coordinates & Projections II

09/22 Coordinates & Projections III Last day to drop class

5 09/25 Symbology I Basic: Chpt 4 Brewer website Course 4

09/27 Map Composition I

09/29 Mapmaking demo

6 10/02 Data downloading I Basic: Chpt 6 QUIZ #2 Course 5

10/04 Data downloading II

10/06 Creating & Editing I

7 10/09 Editing II Course 6

10/11 Analysis 1 - Query/selection Basic: Chpt 5

10/13 Analysis 2 - Single layer Adv: Chpt 4

8 10/16 Analysis 3 - Dual layer Adv: Chpt 5 QUIZ #3 Course 7

10/18 Working with Rasters I – Quantitative Adv: Chpt 1

10/20 Working with Rasters II – Categorical

9 10/23 Working with Rasters III – Imagery Course 8

10/25 Raster Analysis I Adv: Chpt 3

10/27 Raster Analysis I Term Project Proposal DUE

10 10/30 Raster Analysis III QUIZ #4

11/01 3-D Analyst I Adv: Chpt 2

11/03 3-D Analyst II

11 11/06 Spatial Interpolation I Adv: Chpt 2

11/08 Spatial Interpolation II

11/10 Spatial Interpolation III

12 11/13 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder I Adv: Chpt 6 QUIZ #5

11/15 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder II GIS DAY

11/17 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder III

13 11/20 THANKSGIVING RECESS - No Classes

11/22 THANKSGIVING RECESS - No Classes

11/24 THANKSGIVING RECESS - No Classes

14 11/27 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder IV

11/29 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder V

12/01 Geoprocessing w/Model Builder VI

15 12/04 Final Presentations Attendance Required!

12/06 Final Presentations Attendance Required!

12/08 Final Presentations Attendance Required! Last day of classes

16 12/11 Final Presentations 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Attendance Required!

12/15 Term Project Due (11:59 pm)

ESRI ON-LINE COURSES – Results from individual course exams DUE electronically to Blackboard on the
date in which the assignment appears above.

FOR 557 Course Outline 2017.docx