fall 2005
CRP 386:
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Course Description
The course will introduce students to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in the planning profession. Topics to be covered include locating and evaluating existing spatial information, creating and editing new spatial data sets, database structure and design issues, spatial analysis methods, data quality and documentation, and the use of GIS to integrate spatial and non-spatial data (e.g., demographic and economic information). These topics will all be discussed within the context of GIS for urban and regional planning and management, and students will develop individual or group projects that apply basic GIS database development and analysis techniques to their area of interest. All GIS work will be using ArcGIS 9, a PC-based GIS software program.
Students' graded work will consist of five project-based assignments. Students will 1) compile and document existing data for a project of their choice, and identify data gaps; 2) create new data sets for their project; 3) perform basic GIS queries; 4) apply more advanced analysis; and finally, 5) create a well-designed portfolio/database for their project that includes good data organization, documentation, description of the analyses performed, and high-quality graphic examples of their work. In addition, there are several ungraded lab tutorials that will help students to learn techniques necessary for the assignments.
Grading
Grades will be based on the following five assignments:
- Existing data compilation (15%)
- New data creation and documentation (15%)
- Data analysis I: basic queries (10%)
- Data analysis II: advanced analysis (20%)
- Final portfolio (40%)
Course Prerequisites
Students must have basic familiarity with IBM-compatible PC's, Windows file and program management, and the Worldwide Web.
Note for students with disabilities
The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.