GEOG 484 - GIS Database Development
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
In GEOG 484, students will learn to integrate geographic data compiled from various sources. The course consists of software-based projects, and explanations and discussions of concepts having to do with how GIS software can be used to integrate geographic data compiled from various sources. Students who successfully complete the course can specify and perform the tasks involved in creating a digital geographic database, including georeferencing scanned base maps, digitizing vector features, entering attribute data, and compiling metadata. GEOG 484 is the third in a series of four courses that lead to Penn State's Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and can be applied toward the Penn State Master of Geographic Information Systems degree.
Objectives
At the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- carry out steps necessary to georeference an image to match a projected layer and georeference an image using explicit XY coordinates (e.g., collected by a GPS unit);
- employ various techniques to create vector data, raster data, and attribute data. Techniques include digitizing, vectorization, and geodatabase behavior constructs;
- apply techniques and best practices to prevent, find, and correct errors in spatial and attribute data;
- demonstrate an understanding of the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL);
- design and implement a relational database based on basic design tenets, familiarity with the attribute data, and premeditating queries that will be posed.
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
GEOG 483 or equivalent experience.
Expectations
Your success in this course depends on your engagement and consistent participation. Key factors include adhering to the class schedule, active communication with the instructor and peers, and regular involvement in course discussion forums. These forums are vital for exchanging ideas, asking questions, and offering solutions. It's recommended to log in daily to stay updated with class activities. While I may not respond to every post, rest assured that all messages are read and considered.
Major Assignments
Students earn grades that reflect the extent to which they achieve the learning objectives listed above. Opportunities to demonstrate learning include the following, and grades will be based on points assigned to each of several components of the course as follows:
| Assignment Type | Percent of Overall Course Grade |
|---|---|
| Homework ArcGIS Pro software installation | 1% |
| Projects (6) The project component of each lesson involves some aspect of GIS. Projects are designed to be moderately challenging. | 70% |
| Final Project A final project will be submitted in stages over the seventh through the tenth weeks of the course. This will be completed in teams of approximately three individuals, or individually. The final project consists of three intermediate deliverables and a final report that require collaboration among assigned team members. | 29% |
Course Schedule
Geography 484 is 10 weeks in length, plus an Orientation Week preceding the start of the course. The course is divided into 10 lessons and you will complete one lesson per week. The first six lessons each contain a project, readings, and a quiz. The remaining four weeks comprise a final project that you'll complete by collaborating with other students. The final project takes the place of an examination and gives you the chance to put into practice what you learn in the early weeks of the course.
| Week | Lesson | Assignments and Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lesson 1: Foundations of Cultural Geography |
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| 2 | Lesson 2: Cultural Geography, Intelligence, and Security |
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| 3 | Lesson 3: Identity I: Foundations |
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| 4 | Lesson 4: Identity II: Boundaries and Identity |
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| 5 | Lesson 5: Identity III: Nationalism, Separatism, and Terrorism |
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| 6 | Lesson 6: Cultural Landscapes |
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| 7 | Lesson 7: Mobility I: Access, Movement, and Borders |
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| 8 | Lesson 8: Mobility II: Refugees and Asylum Seekers |
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| 9 | Lesson 9: Home I: Dynamics of Home |
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| 10 | Lesson 10: Home II: Scaling Home |
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