GEOG 5520

GEOG 5520 - Intermediate GIS

Spring, 2008. Monday 6:00 - 8:50 PM, EESAT 110

(This syllabus is for graduates only. See GEOG 4520 for undergraduate syllabus)

Dr. Pinliang Dong

EESAT 310B

(940) 565-2377

Office Hours: Mon 2-4 PM, Tue 1:30-3:30 PM, or by appointment.

Teaching Assistant:

Rob Wachal

EESAT 377

Office Hours: Mon 3-5 PM, Thu 4-5 PM

Prerequisites

GEOG 4500/5500: Introduction to GIS (or consent of department)

Objectives

This course is built on GEOG 4500 "Introduction to GIS". Some intermediate GIS topics will be introduced through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and individual projects. The course objectives are the following:

(1) Understand vector and raster data models and conversions;

(2) Understand common map algebra functions in ArcGIS;

(3) Develop advanced skills for raster data manipulation in ArcGIS;

(4) Learn about surface analysis, 3-D rendering, and relevant applications;

(5) Understand network analysis and solve road network problems;

(6) Develop GIS spatial modeling skills to solve real world problems.

Textbook

Jill McCoy and Kevin Johnston, Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. ISBN: 1-58948-105-4, 233 pages, ESRI (Note: The 9.1 version of this book contains the same information as the 8.3 version, only the cover has changed. The textbook covers the basics of the Spatial Analyst Extension. Additional handouts will be provided in the class).

Homework

Six individual homework assignments (7% each) will be submitted online (instructions will be provided in the class). Late homework will be marked down 10% for every day late.

Course Project

The instructor will provide two course projects in Week 10 and Week 12. With instructor's consent, you can also design your own course projects. Project reports (Word documents) should be submitted online on or before May 8.

Grading Structure

Six Homework Assignments (7% each)	42%
Midterm Exam	15%
Final Exam	15%
Two Course Projects (for graduates)	28%
Total	100%
90-100: A; 80-89: B; 70-79: C; 60-69: D; 0-59: F. A minimum grade of "B" is required for the GIS Certificate.

Schedule

Each class has an instruction session followed by an in-class exercise session.

Week	Date	Topic	Homework
1	Jan 14	(1) Course Introduction (2) Brief Review: Introduction to GIS (3) Vector and Raster Data Models Exercise: Raster Display and Query, Vector/Raster Conversion	Read Chapter 4 (pp. 73-90)
3	Jan 28	More on Raster Data: Grids and Images Exercise: Grid/Image Conversion, Grid Projection, Image World File	Homework 1 (due Feb 12)
4	Feb 4	Distance and Local Operations	Read handouts
5	Feb 11	Focal Operations and Applications Exercise: Filtering and Focal Statistics	Homework 2 (due Feb 26)
6	Feb 18	Zonal Operations and Applications Exercise: Zonal Geometry and Zonal Statistics	Read handouts.
7	Feb 25	Map Algebra and Raster Calculator Exercise: Map Algebra Expression and Raster Calculator	Homework 3 (due Mar 11)
8	Mar 3	Spatial Interpolation Exercise: Generate statistical surfaces from point data	Homework 4 (due Apr 1)
9	Mar 10	Midterm Exam (6 - 8 pm)
10	Mar 17	Spring Vacation (No Class)
11	Mar 24	Surface Analysis Exercise: DEM and Flood Mapping	Read handouts Work on projects
12	Mar 31	Hydrologic Modeling Exercise: Hydrologic Modeling in the Upper Trinity River, North Texas	Homework 5 (due Apr 15) Work on projects
13	Apr 7	Three-Dimensional Rendering Exercise: Constructing 3-D Models Using LIDAR Data	Work on projects
14	Apr 14	Network Analysis Exercise: Drive time analysis for the DFW and Bush Airports	Homework 6 (due Apr 30)
15	Apr 21	GPS Data Importing and Route Events Exercise: Importing GPS Data into ArcGIS	Work on projects
16	Apr 28	(Pre-final week): Review	Work on projects; Prepare for final exam.
17	May 5	Final Exam (6 - 8 pm)	Course projects due May 8

Extra Credit

The Department of Geography does not allow extra credit assignments (work not specified on a course syllabus).

Academic Dishonesty

Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a "0" for that particular assignment or exam. Additionally, the incident will be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further penalty. According to the UNT catalog, the term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to:

Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;
Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university;
Dual submission of a paper or project, or resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructor(s); or
Any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage.

The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to:

The knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment; and
The knowing or negligent unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Accommodations

The Department of Geography, in cooperation with the Office of Disability Accommodation, complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Please present your written accommodation request before the 12th class day.