1 GIS APPLICATIONS IN EARTH SCIENCE (ES492/592) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Winter Term 2007 - Western Oregon University 3 CR W 4:00 – 7:00 PM Natural Sciences Bldg, Rm 216/218 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. S. Taylor OFFICE: RM 210 Natural Sciences Bldg OFFICE HOURS: M T 3-5 PM, F 4-5 PM Phone: (w) 838-8398 (cell) 541-760-9216 By Appointment e-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.wou.edu/taylor COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to relevant problems in the Earth Sciences. GIS is comprised of computer hardware and software that links digital maps to spatial data. GIS systems provide the capability to store, retrieve, display, and quantitatively analyze map-based spatial information. Class topics include introductory GIS concepts, digital cartography, database functions, map projections, spatial data models, vector / raster data structure, spatial data analysis, image processing, and terrain modelling. THE PROFESSOR'S PHILOSOPHY ON UPPER DIVISION EARTH SCIENCE / GEOLOGY COURSES: The upper division Earth Science / Geology course sequence is designed for mature, serious students who are willing to work hard, play hard, have fun, and learn in-depth skills / concepts in a professional academic setting. By default, our student population is very diverse with a wide array of skills, interests, and career goals. The student population ranges from serious Earth Science majors with focused career objectives, to Geology / Earth Science minors to Science Education majors. As such, the professor is charged with serving a diverse array of student interests and career goals in the most professional manner possible. The problem-solving and technical skills acquired via training in the Earth Sciences are highly valuable (and marketable), regardless of career track. Students are expected to actively participate in the learning process and make a significant contribution to the academic integrity of the Earth Science program at Western Oregon University. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide graduates with the academic skills that will enable them to be highly competitive in graduate school or the career marketplace. GO TEAM! REQUIRED TEXTS / SOFTWARE: Chang, K., 2007, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 4th Edition: McGraw Hill, 450 p. ArcGIS 9.2 Software: Students will be given a fully-working version of ArcGIS 9.0 software that you can install on your home PC. Insert the CD and the “start-run” function to the install the software and datasets on your computer. The installation is good for 1 year, you will need to register the software at www.esri.com. Follow the directions on the installation disks. ArcGIS 9.2 Software is also available in the GIS Lab NS218A and NS Computer Lab NS216. ArcView 3.3 Software and Getting to Know ArcView Tutorial: We will also be working with these companion GIS software products. These are also available in the GIS Lab NS218A and NS Computer Lab NS216. You will be given a copy of the Getting to Know ArcView Tutorial for use at home as well. ADDITIONAL READING: Getting to Know ArcView Tutorial – each student will be assigned a photocopied version of an ArcView tutorial manual. (Note: I want these back!).2 CLASS NOTES: A comprehensive set of instructor class notes are available for download via the internet. The class web site is at URL http://www.wou.edu/taylor ... and follow the links to the "ES492/592" home page. The class notes are available as Adobe Acrobat Reader files (*.pdf file). Acrobat Reader is free and is installed on many campus PC's. For home installation, Acrobat Reader is also available for download at the class web site, but you will be responsible for properly installing the software (and will do so at your own risk!). Based on prior student suggestions, I have assembled my class notes and made them available. These notes may be freely printed at any campus internet station (e.g. ITC Bldg - Student Lab, Library, local department computer labs). The notes are in outline form and are very comprehensive. "Exam Study Guides" will also be posted on the web site as the term progresses. EVALUATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of 2 exams (Mid-term, Final), weekly lab exercises, and a final project. The following is a breakdown of evaluation points, dates, and letter grades: Quizzes (2 x 15 ea) 30 pts Mid-Term Exam 100 pts Final Exam 120 pts Midterm Lab Portfolio 60 pts Final Lab Portfolio 60 pts Weekly Class Participation 40 pts Final Project 30 pts ____________________________________ TOTAL: 440 pts Final Grading Scale _______________________________________________________________ Percent Range Letter Percent Range Letter of Total Points Grade of Total Points Grade _______________________________________________________________ 94-100% A 77-79% C+ 90-94% A- 73-76% C 87-89% B+ 70-72% C- 83-86% B 67-69% D+ 80-82% B- 63-66% D 60-62% D- <60% F _______________________________________________________________ Quizzes and Exams: Quizzes and exams will be administered at evenly spaced increments throughout the semester; the final will be 20% comprehensive with test material drawn from throughout the term. Exams will largely consist of essay questions and homework-type problems. Warning: the exams are very comprehensive and will likely require a full 2+ hours to complete, please plan accordingly. You will be expected to use computers and software to complete the exams. Make-Up Exams: Under NO circumstances will make-up exams be administered without prior arrangement (at least five days) and good reason. Please show up on exam day!3 Class and Lab Assignments: Class and lab assignments will be worked BOTH during class time and outside of class time each week. You will have lab, reading, and homework assignments that may take up to 3 or 4 hours to complete outside of class time, maybe more in some cases, depending on your skill levels and ability. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Due dates for class exercises will be prescribed by the instructor. Late work will be accepted up to 1 week after the due date, but will be automatically assessed a penalty of -20% of the point total. Due to the volume of students assigned to the instructor each term, he will not be able to grade the lab exercise work in detail. The homework