Course

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Important Notice

This course is not active. Please contact Department Chair for more information.

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Habitat Restoration
Course code
ENVS 1103
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15
Max class size
20
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This hands-on course teaches the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will examine components and functions of GIS, entering and storing data, choosing a coordinate system, digitizing maps, creating topology for spatial analysis, database query and analysis, and designing and creating map outputs are examined.
Course content
  1. 1.       Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

 

1.1.     What is a GIS?

1.2.     Advantages of a GIS over traditional modes of spatial analysis

1.3.     Questions a GIS can answer

 

  1. 2.       Components and Functions of a GIS

 

2.1.     Geographic features and data

2.2.     GIS functions: data entry, display, manipulation and analysis

2.3.     Characteristics and comparisons of the available software

 

  1. 3.       Data Entry and Storage

 

3.1.     Spacial data and topology

3.2.     Digitizing and correcting errors

3.3.     Attribute data tables

 

  1. 4.       Displaying Data

4.1.     Coordinate systems

4.2.     Map projections

4.3.     Converting data acquired from other sources

 

  1. 5.       Data Management and Manipulation

5.1.     Rastor and vector data

5.2.     Relating and joining tables

5.3.     Organizing data for analysis

 

  1. 6.       Database Query and Analysis

6.1.     Querying the database

6.2.     Spatial analysis of the database

6.3.     Calculating statistics

 

  1. 7.       Output of Results

7.1.     Cartographic elements

7.2.     Cartographic design

7.3.     Drawing and modifying a map

7.4.     Adding tables and charts

7.5.     Oral and graphic presentation skills

Learning activities

This course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:

 

  1. Lectures
  2. Labs
  3. Seminar Presentations
  4. Slides, Films
  5. Small group discussions
  6. Group projects
Means of assessment

The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy and will be based on some of the following:

 

  1. Laboratory assignments with a combined value of up to 50%
  2. Multiple choice and/or short answer tests with a combined value of up to 50%
  3. A term project or paper with a value of up to 25%
  4. An individual or group presentation on an assigned topic with a value of up to 15%

An example of one possible evaluation scheme would be:

 

Laboratory Assignments

Mid-term Examination

Term Project

Individual Presentation

Final Examination

 

 

 35%

 20%

 15%

 10%

 20%

100%

 
Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:

 

  1. Explain the appropriate uses of different map projections.
  2. List and describe the components and functions of a GIS.
  3. Create data files, add attribute values and manage data files.
  4. Digitize spatial data, correct errors and display maps. 
  5. Query the database and display results as tables, charts and figures, or combinations of all three.
  6. Communicate results orally and/or graphically in a professional manner.
Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

 

Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (1993). Understanding GIS: The PC ARC/INFO Method. Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow, Essex, England.

 

or an equivalent textbook

 

Text will be updated periodically.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Program entrance requirements

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for ENVS 1103
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025