Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) What is GIS?

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

What is GIS?

 

ARTICIPATION QUESTIONS (choose one):

 

1)  Look at the various different GIS definitions covered in Chapter 1 (GIS Commons).  Why are they different?  How can the definition of GIS vary by discipline?  What will your personal definition of GIS be?

 

2)  Find a photograph of a landscape (can be human scale, picture from vacation, aerial photo, or even satellite image).  Make a list of what features on the image fall into the classes of points, lines, and area (polygons).  Any exceptions?  If you have features that might be one or the other, then explain your decision.  Make sure you attach your picture to your post or paste it within your post.

 

3)  Describe three different applications that are often performed using GIS.  Try to think of everyday examples that your classmates can relate to.  Feel free to include pictures/diagrams to illustrate your examples.

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 2 Discussion

 

Spatial Data and Projections

 

PARTICIPATION QUESTIONS (choose one):

 

1)  Choose two or three map projections to present to the class (try to present some that no one has posted yet).  List the properties of these projections and the distortions.  Don’t forget to show a picture of the projections too!  A good reference is http://www.icsm.gov.au/mapping/map_projections.html or http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb//pubs/MapProjections/projections.html .  A good list of map projections and visuals can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_map_projections .

 

2)  You have been asked to conduct a GIS project that maps the land cover of Western Europe/Antarctica/Africa (choose only one).  Which map projection would you choose for this project and why?  Provide pictures!

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 3 Discussion

 

GIS Data Formats and Data Quality

 

PARTICIPATION QUESTIONS (choose one):

 

1)  Give an everyday example of something that is either high precision but low accuracy, or high accuracy but low precision.  Give a second everyday example of something that is non-observable data or secondary data – explain!

 

2)  Satellite images are raster data.  There are many types of multispectral satellite images acquired from satellite remote sensing.  Include (attach or paste) a picture of a satellite image.  Explain which satellite/sensor this image came from, characteristics of the sensor, the location of the picture, the resolution of the image, the image date and time of day, and any other relevant characteristics.  (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ might be a good place to start, or http://www.satimagingcorp.com/ , or try a Google search like “Landsat”…)  ***Do not just post a picture, I want the image details too!***

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 4 Discussion

 

Spatial Analysis

 

PARTICIPATION QUESTION:

 

What do you think about ArcGIS Pro so far?  How does it compare to your expectations?  Are there any particular tools that you are the most interested in?  Are there any particular capabilities you want to learn more about? What do you find challenging about the software?

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 5 Discussion

 

Network Analysis and ModelBuilder

 

PARTICIPATION QUESTIONS (choose one):

 

1)  Design a model that might account for the risk of wildfire for a GIS data set consisting of layers for vegetation type and condition, soils, streams, topography, and wind direction.  How might the model be tested? (or… design a model for a spatial environmental issue of your choice.  What layers (hypothetical) would you need and what spatial analysis would need to be performed?  What tools would you use?)

 

2)  Give two everyday examples of network analysis using a GIS.  Provide pictures to illustrate, and explain what is being shown.

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 6 Discussion

 

Map Making

 

PARTICIPATION QUESTIONS (choose one):

 

1)  Describe some map formatting techniques characteristic of a professional-looking map.  What are some tips and tricks that you can use to make your map look attractive?  How can formatting be used to achieve the goal of your map?

 

2)  Examine the different types of maps discussed in Chapter 6 (GIS Commons).  Find an example of one such map from the internet.  What type of map is it?  What are the pros and cons of the map design?  Are there any mistakes on the map?  How would you improve the map?  Attach or paste a picture (jpg) of map to your post.

 

 

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 7 Discussion

 

FINAL PROJECT – Planning Phase (Part 1)

 

Use this area to discuss your final project ideas with your classmates. Also, discuss data websites and sources you are interested in using. Respond to the post of two other classmates

 

Also, post your completed Planning Phase document in the appropriate drop box for grading.

 

 

 

ENMT307 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

 

Week 8 Discussion

 

FINAL PROJECT – Report and Maps (Part 2)

 

Paste your report (in the body of your post) and attach your map(s) (as a separate JPG) for your classmates to critique and explore. Be sure to give your project a creative title and include your name. Also, post your report document and map JPG in the appropriate drop box for grading.

 

Don’t forget to comment on at least two of your classmates projects by Tuesday (this is part 3 of your Final Project).

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