GEOG 250 – Introduction to Computer Mapping and GIS
Fort Lewis College – Fall Semester 2008
Course Information
Time & Location: Lecture – 11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. M W F, EBH 064; Lab – 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. W or F, Berndt 570
Instructor: Scott White, Ph.D; office: Berndt Hall room 300/303; office hours: M T F 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. (or by appointment)
contact: white_s@fortlewis.edu or 247-7475; class web page: http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/white_s/classes/geog250.html
Textbook Information (the first two textbooks are required)
1. GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods, by David M. Theobald, 3rd edition, © 2007 Conservation Planning Technologies
(ISBN 0-9679208-4-1) - http://www.consplan.com
2. How to Lie with Maps, by Mark Monmonier, 2nd edition, © 1996 University of Chicago Press (ISBN 0-226-53421-9)
3. Map Use, by A. Jon Kimerling, et al., 5th edition, © 2005 JP Publications (ISBN 0-9602978-6-3)
Course Description
In this class, you will be introduced to the study and design of maps, primarily through the application of a specialized computer
mapping software program known as a Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is a map-based computer decision support
system that allows for the investigation of geographic data relationships. People that are trained in GIS are in high demand today,
both in government and private industry. The lecture sessions in this class will focus primarily on GIS-based cartographic
techniques, including georeferencing, map analysis, and map design. We will cover many important aspects of mapmaking,
including map data collection and processing, field methods and GPS, cartographic communication, and topographic map reading
and analysis. Effective map design techniques will also be examined in both lecture and lab during the semester. “Laboratory”
exercises will deal primarily with the design and creation of maps using GIS. In the lab sections, you will use ArcGIS (ArcInfo) 9.3,
the world’s most widely-used professional GIS software program. Many of the lecture topics and lab assignments will examine the
use of GIS in the natural and physical sciences.
There are no prerequisites for this course, however I do expect basic high school-level competency in geometry and algebra.
Also, a good understanding of Windows-based PCs is strongly recommended for success and happiness with GIS.
Grades and Assignments
grading follows the typical A, B, C, D, and F scheme, with + and – counting towards your final course grade:
A = 93-100 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79 D+ = 67-69 F = < 60
A- = 90-92 B = 83-86 C = 73-76 D = 63-66
B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72 D- = 60-62
your course grade will be based on the following…
1. Exams – three lecture exams consisting of a mix of multiple choice and short answer/essay questions. Each exam will
count towards 10% of your final course grade (30% total). See the schedule on the back of this page for exam dates.
2. GIS Lab Exercises – a total of 12 GIS and related mapping lab exercises will be assigned during the semester.
A composite lab score will be scaled to 100 and will count towards 45% of your final course grade.
lab assignments are due at the start of the next lab period, unless otherwise indicated by your instructor
unless prior arrangements have been made, late lab assignments will not be accepted
much of the lab work can be finished during the 3-hour lab time period, however some lab exercises will require
you to spend time with GIS outside of the normal lab hours; computer lab hours are posted outside of the room
3. Other Assignments – approximately 4 homework or in-class assignments will count towards 5% of your final course grade.
4. Final Map Project – the GIS lab exercises will culminate with the Final Map Project. This year’s theme will be volcanoes
of the United States. This assignment will count towards 20% of your final course grade, and will consist of (1) a large,
poster-sized map consisting of several related maps, images, and text, and (2) a CD-ROM containing your final map
document file and associated data sets. Your complete Final Map Project is due on Tuesday, 12/16 at 5:00 p.m.
make-up exams/quizzes will only be permitted if you have a valid excuse – I determine the validity; please note that
vacations, hunting trips, and other personal journeys for fun or profit do not constitute excused absences; make-up exams
may be different from those given to the other students, and may consist totally of short answer and/or essay questions
individual exam grades are not curved, but final course grades may be adjusted at the end of the semester
no extra credit assignments will be offered, although extra credit points may appear on some exams
if English is not your primary language, you may use a dictionary during the exams – you must let me know in advance
