GEOL 601
Geographic Information Systems for the Geosciences
Catalog Entry
GEOL 601. Geographic Information Systems for the Geosciences
Four hours lecture/discussion (4).
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and their geologic applications. Includes basic digital cartographic techniques, theoretical and practical use of computer-based geographic information systems, applications of GIS to geology, computer modeling using GIS, and an introduction to programming in GIS languages. Makes use of ARC/INFO and ArcView GIS package.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
Arrangement of topics is as follows:
I. Introduction
II. Computer Hardware and Software
III. Basics of Digital Cartography
a. Introduction, Types of maps, Map Annotation Map
b. Map Projections
c. Map Coordinate Systems
d. Shape of the Earth
e. Geodetic Position Determination
f. Map Accuracy Standards
IV. Sources of Geologic Spatial Data
a. Conventional Sources – field work and paper maps
b. Digitizing and Scanning
c. Aerial and Satellite Data
d. Internet Resources and the U.S.G.S.
e. CD’s, Tapes, and Other Resources
V. Global Positioning Systems
VI. Geographic Information System (GIS)
a. Introduction – background and historical development
b. Principal Elements of GIS
c. Data Structures
d. Databases
e. Data Conversions
f. GIS Projects and Analysis
g. Modeling with GIS
h. Programming with GIS
VII. Applications of GIS in Geology
a. Hazard and Risk Assessment
b. Resource Management
Detailed Description of the Conduct of Course
The course will include three hours of lecture time and two hours of laboratory time. Lecture time will emphasize the theoretical and practical foundations of geographic information systems and their application to solving geologic problems. As this course, GEOL 601, Geographic Information Systems for the Geosciences, and GEOL 602, Remote Sensing for the Geosciences can be taken independently from one another, certain basic concepts prerequisite to both courses but not generally available elsewhere for the geologist must be included at the beginning of both courses. These include Computer Hardware and Software, Basics of Digital Cartography, and Sources of Geologic Spatial Data. This prerequisite material requires about three weeks of lecture time and several lab periods to complete Laboratory time will include a series of computer exercises designed to develop skills working with digital maps; sources of spatial data, including ARC/INFO and ArcView. Students are required to complete an in-depth research project and to present the results orally in a professional manner.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The course is intended as a graduate level introduction to the techniques of geographic information systems being used today in geology. It is anticipated that students completing this course will have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to make use of GIS techniques in their research or thesis projects and to be very competitive for jobs requiring such skills.
Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
(1) Explain the basic concepts of digital cartography.
(2) Explain the theoretical and practical foundations of geographic information systems.
(3) Demonstrate the use of computers for:
a. Collecting data from the Internet
b. Analyzing spatial data in GIS applications
c. Creating maps and reports
Assessment measures
The student will be assessed according to her/his competence demonstrated in completing: (1) three written examinations, (2) a number of short laboratory exercises, and (3) a research project with written report and oral presentation.
Other course information
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
January 2000 Approved by chair
