SIE 509: Overview

Principles of Geographic Information Systems

Kate Beard
Room 348 Boardman Hall

Course Objectives

This course provides an introduction to the basic components and principles of geographic information systems and practical experience in the use of these systems. Geographic information systems are systems used to represent observations and information about our environment. The lecture and reading component provides a background on the elements of geographic information systems and the organization of such systems. As outcomes students should be familiar with characteristics of spatial data, be able to identify and describe differences among data models; understand typical GIS operations, and understand assessment and implications of spatial data quality.

A. Class Sessions

On-campus Students: Tues and Thursday, 9:30 – 10:45 Tues & Thurs, Room 326 Boardman Hall
Live Broadcast: Available at http://meet.maine.edu/sie509/ Online students may view and participate in the live sessions but are not required to do so.
Archived Broadcasts: Links to the class broadcasts are made available at the end of each day through the Lectures and Assignments link for this course.

B. Course Materials

TEXT: GIS Fundamentals (5^th Edition) by Paul Bolstad, 2016.

ISBN 978-1-50669-587-7. This is available from the University Bookstore, but it is less expensive online.

Softcover (about $38) and digital versions ($22) are available from XanEdu, from a search of their website. If you have questions, contact Natalie Danner, nadanner@xanedu.com.

Additional readings may be assigned.

SOFTWARE: : You will be using QGIS an open source GIS software package that runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. QGIS can be downloaded from the website here

Lab Exercises

There will be 8-10 laboratory exercises, which are designed to supplement the lecture material. The exercise instructions and data will be under Lectures and Assignments on this website. Unless otherwise stated, the lab report will be due one week from the date of distribution. All reports should be word-processed. All map layouts should have a title, a legend, a scale bar and north arrow, the name of the creator, the lab number, and due date.
Lab exercises have differing point values (25-50 Points), depending upon the length and difficulty of the exercise. Lab exercises will be graded on accuracy, completeness, promptness and tidiness. All written responses should be typed, and all pages stapled together with the layout on the bottom. Exercises more than two weeks late will NOT be accepted.

Project:

The project should be implemented using GIS software. The project can be related to your research, or be on another topic of interest.

Project deliverables:

Data dictionary
10-15 minute class presentation
Final paper
Digital version of the completed project

Exams:

There are two take-home exams

Grading:

Lab exercises 25%
Exams (2) 25% each
Project 25%

Plus and minus grading will be used.

C. Instructor Office Hours & Discussion Sessions

For one-on-one discussions with the instructor: E-mail to cholden@maine.edu is often the simplest way to get a message through and a response. You are also welcome to call ( 207- 581-3952) or drop in during office hours.
On-campus Students: I am in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays for office hours
Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00, Thursday 7:30-9:00 and Friday by appointment.

D. University of Maine Policy Statements

For further reference, consult Required Syllabus Statements (https://umaine.edu/upcc/forms/), the University of Maine Student Handbook (http://www.umaine.edu/handbook/) and
the UMS Student Conduct Code (http://www.maine.edu/pdf/conductcode.pdf)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.