GEOG 250 Introduction to GIS

Welcome

Geographic Information Systems

Used by disciplines across the Radford University campus, GIS uses traditional spatial analysis techniques and cartographic principles from geography together with analysis methods from study areas like geology, statistics, anthropology, criminal justice, and health care, to name just a few.

GIS is a "synergistic" field, meaning it combines bits of many fields to create something larger than the indivdual parts. It is a rapidly growing technology that uses the skills of trained professionals from many fields to examine data spatially.

Why is such importance placed on "spatial?" Over 80% of all data captured in databases is estimated to have a spatial component like site address or longitude and latitude.

GEOG 250 Intro to GIS

This class introduces GIS to students new to the field. A portion of the syllabus is listed below that describes the course content.

Part I. Introduction to GIS . What is GIS? Where did it come from? How is it used today? This section will answer these questions and will provide an introduction to the many uses of GIS today. The nature of geographic inquiry will be discussed as it relates to geographic information systems.

Part II. Introduction to Mapmaking. One result of using a GIS is the production of a map. We will discuss what makes a good map, how to make a map, and the design considerations needed to produce maps on paper and maps on the Internet.

Part III. Introduction to the ArcGIS 9.1 System . Students will be introduced to the newest version of ArcGIS, released in summer, 2005. The majority of class time will be spent learning this software. Exercises will include an introduction to spatial analysis techniques, proper map design considerations, and resources for acquiring spatial data.

 

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