CRP 386
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Instructor: Barbara Parmenter
Time and Place: Tuesdays, Thursdays 2-3:30pm, Sutton 2.110
Unique Number: 01375

Course Description

The course will introduce students to geographic information systems (GIS) concepts, data sources, and analysis in the planning profession. Technologies covered include GIS, relational databases, online data retrieval, and web site creation. Topics to be covered include sources of information for spatial databases, database structure and design issues, spatial analysis capabilities, data quality and documentation. These topics will all be discussed within the context of GIS for urban and regional planning and management, and students will work on typical planning-related analyses. All GIS work will be using ArcGIS, a PC-based GIS software program.

Students' graded work will consist of five assignments. Students will work on a particular geographic area to 1) compile data, 2) learn and perform basic GIS queries on the data, 3) use that data to perform various types of vector data analysis, 4) use the same data to perform raster data analyses, and finally, 5) to exhibit their best work in a web exhibit. Students will learn to create their own web sites where they will show the results of their course work. In addition, there are several ungraded lab tutorials that will help students to learn techniques necessary for the assignments.

Grading

Data compilation (30%)
Data analysis I: basic queries (10%)
Data analysis I: vector data analysis (30%)
Data analysis I: raster data analysis (20%)
Final web gallery (10%)

Course Prerequisites

Students must have basic familiarity with IBM-compatible PC's, Windows95 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.