Required: GGR 230 (Map and Image Interpretation)

Recommended: Students will have a higher sense of achievement if they have had any of the following:

Note: This course assumes a cartographic background but does NOT necessarily assume any computer skills. This class can be completed with little or no computer background but will be much easier with a modest amount of previous computer experience.

Computer-assisted cartography extends the concepts, theory and techniques developed in map interpretation or cartography to an automated level where computers will be used to handle the mechanics of map compilation. This course will provide an overview of computer operation (with an emphasis on PCs) and the application of computers to input, manipulation, analysis and cartographic output of spatial data. The course will be divided between lecture, demonstrations and hands-on exercises.

Specific objectives to be accomplished in the course are:

• to provide a working overview of computing systems
• to understand the theory of automated cartography
• to be able to collect, format and enter data into a cartographic software package and construct a map
• to gain tools in spatial analysis with cartographic software
• to set the foundation for continued study in Geographic Information Systems

Required texts: Clarke, K.C. 1995. Analytical and computer cartography. Prentice Hall, New York.

Required workbook: Environmental Systems Research Institute 1997. Getting to know ArcView GIS. GeoInformation International, Cambridge.

Required materials:

• A set of 10 floppy disks (1.44 mg)
• A portfolio in which to keep exercises
• A notebook for keeping notes

1. Comprehension of assigned readings from texts.
2. Completion of 12 assigned exercises.
3. Regular attendance.
4. Satisfactory performance on 2 written exams.
5. Completion of class project.

Students are expected to attend each class meeting and tardiness is discouraged. I will check attendance regularly and use the record in determining borderline grades.

I encourage a certain amount of collaboration among students. However, each student is required to complete individual assignments. Plagiarism will cause the student to fail the class.

Exercises

Each of the 12 exercises are worth 50 points. Each assignment is due 1 week after it is assigned. WORK TURNED IN AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL BE PENALIZED BY 5 POINTS PER DAY.

Exams

Each exam is worth 100 points (200 total). They will be in the form of a midterm and final exam. Exam structure will be discussed as the semester progresses.

Class Project

A class project will be accomplished in pairs. The project will require students to apply knowledge acquired throughout the semester. Students will obtain and enter data into the cartographic software, analyze the data, and submit a demonstrative cartographic final product. The project will be discussed in more detail as the semester advances.

Total Points

A = 900 - 1000

B = 800 - 899

C = 700 - 799

D = 600 - 699

F = 0 - 599

This course will make use of PCs and may require extensive computer time. Much of the hands-on work may need to be performed at computer laboratories here (CESM) in the undergrad lab. Most of the exercises can be accomplished on your own PC (if you have one, of course). There are computer labs on both north and south campus that any registered student can use. The south campus facility is the entire Building #61. On north campus, these resources are available in Building #16, Rooms 301 - 303.

* Readings from Getting to Know ArcView GIS (AV) and Analytical and Computer Cartography (KC)

To turn in each week:

A screen dump of each window you modified to complete the exercise, you can arrange them all in AV and do 1 screen dump, or dump each one at a time, or any combination. All that needs to be captured is the final ending state of each window (not different steps in between). Until we make our own products at the end of the class, always send your printouts to a black and white printer.

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