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Geography 377

Introduction to GIS

Instructor:

Prof. A-Xing Zhu

Brief Course Description:

This course offers an introduction to methods of managing and processing geographic data. Emphases will be placed on: the nature of geographic data; spatial data models and structures; data input and management; spatial analytical and modeling techniques, and error analyses.

The course is made of two components: the lectures and the labs. In the lectures, the conceptual elements of the above topics are explained. The labs are designed in such way that students will first hand experience in data input, data management, data analyses, and result presentation.

Objectives:

1) To provide students an understanding of the basic assumptions, concepts, theories, and structures of geographic information systems.

2) To provide students with a hand-on experience in the basic tasks (or daily tasks) of GIS operations.

In general, this is an ice-breaking course into GIS and serves as the foundation course for Geography 579 and Geography 578 (GIS Application) and Geography 577 (Environmental Modeling with GIS) and any other higher level GIS courses on the campus.

Prerequisites:

Introductory courses in environmental or mapping sciences. No computer programming is required.

Course Syllabus (Fall, 2007):

(click here)

Lab Materials:

(Only available at learn@UW)

Lecture Materials:

(Only available at learn@UW)