Introduction to GIS looks into computer-based graphical methods of data input and analysis. Emphasis on data visualization techniques such as cartographic modelling and exploratory data analysis.
Learning Objectives:
- understand the theoretical underpinnings of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) as a discipline in support of geographic analysis.
- have practical working knowledge of one GIS software package, ESRI’s ArcGIS, using a variety of datasets in multiple contexts for geographic analysis (natural hazards, social geography issues of housing affordability, environmental impact assessments).
- understand the ethical implications of GIScience analysis inherent in issues of data quality, validity, reliability and biases in GIS processing and display.
- be able to critically assess products that result from GIS analysis.
- learn how to work in teams to explore with GIS real-world geographic analysis.
- develop a portfolio which serves as a repository for structured reflection on their learning and can be re-purposed for a job search or graduate school application.
Labs:
- Lab 1: Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS
- Lab 2: Understanding Geographic Data
- Lab 3: Planning for a Storm Surge – City of Vancouver
- Lab 4: Housing Costs in Metro Vancouver (using Census Data)
- Lab 5: Environmental Impact Assessment – Garibaldi Project
Final Project: