Geographic Information Systems
Geographic information systems (GIS) integrate hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS allow us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in a myriad of ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends visually in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. GIS are powerful interdisciplinary tools that help us answer questions and solve local, regional, national, and global problems by looking at data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.
GEOG 151 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Units: 4.00 - UC:CSU 36.00 hours lecture, 108.00 hours lab
Recommended Preparation: Basic knowledge of Windows 2000 and/or Windows XP.
Introduces the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including the history of automated mapping and a review of the hardware and software elements used in GIS. Demonstration of various applications of GIS technology used in the natural and social sciences, business and government are included along with hands-on experience in using the hardware and software elements of GIS. Specific topics include: use of map scales, coordinate systems, data sources and accuracy, data structures, working with spatial data, map features and attributes, map overlays, manipulation of data base, creation of charts and graphs and presentation of data in map layouts.