Course Number and Title:
GIS 101 Introduction to GIS
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through hands-on application using industry-standard software. Students explore the collection, management, processing, and presentation of geographic data. Topics include GIS data structures and functions, methods of data acquisition, the nature of spatial data and geographic objects, and basic cartographic design principles.
Additional Materials
- Students must have access to a Windows-based computer capable of running the following:
- ESRI ArcGIS Pro (primary platform; required)
- QGIS (optional, open-source GIS software used for comparison)
- Please refer to https://www.esri.com for current system requirements for ArcGIS Pro.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify spatial data and the major components of a GIS. (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Demonstrate georeferencing of spatial data, and explain the geographic variables involved. (CCC 1, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Employ vector data structure to create geographic data. (CCC 1, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Identify and describe raster data models. (CCC 1, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Employ fundamentals of data management and acquisition of new data. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Illustrate GIS data input and manipulation. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Employ meaningful data display in the creation of maps. (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Employ data exploration and manipulation techniques in a GIS (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify spatial data and the major components of a GIS.
- Recognize and classify types of spatial data.
- Identify components of GIS and related software.
- Discuss how spatial data is used in GIS applications.
- Define vector data models, raster data models, and spatial data infrastructure framework.
- Explain the difference between locally stored and externally hosted data.
- Identify common GIS operations.
- Demonstrate georeferencing of spatial data, and explain the geographic variables involved.
- Define vertical and horizontal datums.
- Explain the differences between global and planar coordinate systems, including their characteristics, applications, and limitations.
- Define map projection.
- Identify and discuss common map projections and their distortion properties.
- Import data into a specific coordinate system.
- Project geographic data from a geographic to a planar coordinate system.
- Demonstrate converting from one coordinate system to another.
- Employ vector data structure to create geographic data.
- Describe elements of vector data.
- Explain the importance of topology in GIS and the rules that apply.
- Describe object-based data models and their relationship classes.
- Produce and edit vector data.
- Digitize vector data.
- Create spatial data by converting computer-aided design (CAD) data to a GIS-compatible format.
- Identify and describe raster data models.
- Describe raster data elements and structure.
- Identify and explain different types of raster data.
- Employ fundamentals of data management and acquisition of new data.
- Identify and describe data sources, including GPS, remote sensing, aerial photography, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and the MAF/TIGER database.
- Identify mapping errors and evaluate data accuracy and precision.
- Explain the purpose and structure of metadata.
- Describe control points and their application in data referencing.
- Import existing data from various sources and file formats.
- Georectify scanned maps.
- Collect and import vector data using GPS.
- Illustrate GIS data input and manipulation.
- Identify the types of attribute data.
- Identify attribute data entry methods and verification.
- Describe how to classify and manipulate attribute data.
- Classify, manipulate, and create attribute data.
- Produce a geodatabase and feature dataset.
- Convert vector data to raster data.
- Publish vector data to a geospatial web service.
- Employ meaningful data display in the creation of maps.
- Identify basic fundamentals of cartographic design principles, including symbology, color, classifications, and standard map design layouts.
- Describe the various types of maps and their purposes.
- Employ cartographic design principles to produce a meaningful map.
- Use existing templates or content-building tools to design and build a basic web-based map application.
- Employ data exploration and manipulation techniques in a GIS.
- Identify and employ various query types and associated properties.
- Distinguish between raster- and vector-based data applications.
- Use geoprocessing applications such as clip, buffer, and overlay.
- Measure distances between points and lines.
- Employ operations common to raster- and vector-based data analysis.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- 2-4 Exams - (Equally weighted)
| 30% |
| 5% |
| 15% |
- Final Project Presentation
| 5% |
Formative Assessments |
- GIS Labs: 10-15 equally weighted
| 35% |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Homework
- Question Sets
- In-Class Activities
- Discussion Boards
| 10% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
1. Apply technical knowledge, skills, and engineering principles in various civil and environmental engineering applications.
2. Conduct field and laboratory testing using industry-standard procedures.
3. Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies, and best practices for civil and environmental engineering projects.
4. Utilize engineering software, visual communication tools, and technical documentation to support diverse civil and environmental engineering activities.
5. Interpret and apply relevant industry regulations and standards to civil and environmental engineering applications.
6. Pursue industry-recognized certifications related to civil and environmental engineering technology.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility while prioritizing safety, quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in civil and environmental engineering practices.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.