Request for New Course
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
REQUEST FOR NEW COURSE
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: _GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY_______COLLEGE: ARTS AND AND SCIENCES
CONTACT PERSON: _HUGH SEMPLE________________________________________________________
CONTACT PHONE:
487-8169
CONTACT EMAIL: HSEMPLE@EMICH.EDU
REQUESTED START DATE: TERM_FALL____________YEAR__2011_________
A. Rationale/Justification for the Course
Currently, the GIS Masters program does not have a course dedicated to the study of geodatabases despite the fact that
geodatabases are rapidly becoming the main storage structures for GIS map layers and attribute data. Aspects of
geodatabases are taught in various courses, but a course that systematically introduces students to geodatabase design,
development and management, and the type of client applications that utilize geodatabases has become a necessity. Not
only does faculty recognize this need, but also students regularly make requests for such a course. Last fall, a Special
Topics course in Geodatabase and Web Mapping was taught as a test run of this new geodatabase course. Registration
was encouraging as well as students’ acceptance of the material that was taught. As such, this request seeks to
formalize this special topics course into a new course in geodatabase. This class will be offered at the 500 level.
B. Course Information
1. Subject Code and Course Number:
GEOG 586
2. Course Title:
Geodatabases for Enterprise GIS
3. Credit Hours:
3
4. Repeatable for Credit?
Yes_______ No__x____
If “Yes”, how many total credits may be earned?_______
5. Catalog Description (Limit to approximately 50 words.):
This course introduces students to current technologies used to develop and manage enterprise geodatabases. Emphasis
is on the conceptual, logical and physical design aspects of geodatabases; managing enterprise geodatabases; and
surveying desktop and web mapping clients that utilize geodatabases. Prerequisite: GEOG 579 or departmental
permission.
6. Method of Delivery (Check all that apply.)
a. Standard (lecture/lab)
On Campus
v
x
Off Campus
b. Fully Online
x
c. Hybrid/ Web Enhanced
x
7. Grading Mode:
Miller, New Course
Sept. 09
Normal (A-E) x
Credit/No Credit
New Course Form
8. Prerequisites: Courses that MUST be completed before a student can take this course. (List by Subject Code,
Number and Title.)
GEOG 579, Geographic Information Systems
9. Concurrent Prerequisites: Courses listed in #5 that MAY also be taken at the same time as a student is taking this
course. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.)
10. Corequisites: Courses that MUST be taken at the same time as a student in taking this course.
(List by
Subject Code, Number and Title.)
11. Equivalent Courses. A student may not earn credit for both a course and its equivalent. A course will count as a
repeat if an equivalent course has already been taken. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title)
12. Course Restrictions:
a. Restriction by College. Is admission to a specific College Required?
College of Business
Yes
No
X
College of Education
Yes
No
X
b. Restriction by Major/Program. Will only students in certain majors/programs be allowed to take this course?
Yes
No
X
If “Yes”, list the majors/programs
c. Restriction by Class Level Check all those who will be allowed to take the course:
Undergraduate
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Graduate
All undergraduates_______
All graduate students__x__
Freshperson
Certificate
Sophomore
Masters
Junior
Specialist
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Senior
x
Doctoral
Second Bachelor________
UG Degree Pending_____
Post-Bac. Tchr. Cert._____
Low GPA Admit_______
Note: If this is a 400-level course to be offered for graduate credit, attach Approval Form for 400-level
Course for Graduate Credit. Only “Approved for Graduate Credit” undergraduate courses may be
included on graduate programs of study.
Note: Only 500-level graduate courses can be taken by undergraduate students. Undergraduate
students may not register for 600-level courses
d. Restriction by Permission. Will Departmental Permission be required?
Yes No
x
(Note: Department permission requires the department to enter authorization for every student registering.)
13. Will the course be offered as part of the General Education Program?
Yes
No
x
If “Yes”, attach Request for Inclusion of a Course in the General Education Program: Education for Participation in the
Global Community form. Note: All new courses proposed for inclusion in this program will be reviewed by the
General Education Advisory Committee. If this course is NOT approved for inclusion in the General Education
program, will it still be offered?
Yes
No
C. Relationship to Existing Courses
Within the Department:
14. Will this course will be a requirement or restricted elective in any existing program(s)? Yes x
No
If “Yes”, list the programs and attach a copy of the programs that clearly shows the place the new course will have in
the curriculum.
Program
Masters in GIS
Program
15. Will this course replace an existing course? Yes
Required
Restricted Elective X
Required
Restricted Elective
No
x
16. (Complete only if the answer to #15 is “Yes.”)
a. Subject Code, Number and Title of course to be replaced:
b. Will the course to be replaced be deleted?
Yes
No
17. (Complete only if the answer #16b is “Yes.”) If the replaced course is to be deleted, it is not necessary to
submit a Request for Graduate and Undergraduate Course Deletion.
a. When is the last time it will be offered?
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Sept. ‘09
Term
Year
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b. Is the course to be deleted required by programs in other departments?
Contact the Course and Program Development Office if necessary.
Yes
No
c. If “Yes”, do the affected departments support this change?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of
support, if available.
Outside the Department: The following information must be provided. Contact the Course and Program
Development office for assistance if necessary.
18. Are there similar courses offered in other University Departments?
If “Yes”, list courses by Subject Code, Number and Title
Yes
No
x
19. If similar courses exist, do the departments in which they are offered support the proposed course?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support from the affected departments. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department
explaining the lack of support, if available.
D. Course Requirements
20. Attach a detailed Sample Course Syllabus including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Course goals, objectives and/or student learning outcomes
Outline of the content to be covered
Student assignments including presentations, research papers, exams, etc.
Method of evaluation
Grading scale (if a graduate course, include graduate grading scale)
Special requirements
Bibliography, supplemental reading list
Other pertinent information.
NOTE: COURSES BEING PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION
IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY PROGRAM MUST USE THE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY
THE GENERAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE TEMPLATE IS ATTACHED TO THE
REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF A COURSE IN THE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EDUCATION
FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FORM.
E. Cost Analysis (Complete only if the course will require additional University resources. Fill in Estimated
Resources for the sponsoring department(s). Attach separate estimates for other affected departments.)
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Estimated Resources:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Faculty / Staff
$_________
$_________
$_________
SS&M
$_________
$_________
$_________
Equipment
$_________
$_________
$_________
Total
$_________
$_________
$_________
F. Action of the Department/School and College
1. Department/School
Vote of faculty:
For 14
Against 0
Abstentions 0
(Enter the number of votes cast in each category.)
Rick Sambrook’s signature
Department Head/School Director Signature
Date 5-31-2011
2. College/Graduate School
A. College
College Dean Signature
Date
B. Graduate School (if Graduate Course)
Graduate Dean Signature
Date
G. Approval
Associate Vice-President for Academic Programming Signature
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Date
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Department of Geography and Geology
Eastern Michigan University
GEOG 586, Geodatabases for Enterprise GIS
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Hugh Semple
118D Strong Hall
Tel. 734- 487-8169
Email hsemple@emich.edu
Class Website: http://www.emuonline.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on popular technologies used in the areas of GIS data storage and management and the client
applications that are used for viewing and analyzing geodatabase data. Students will be exposed to relational database
concepts and software, personal and enterprise geodatabases, the spatial component of relational databases, and
commercial and customized desktop and web mapping software that utilizes geodatabases as backend storage devices.
The course consists of lectures, a set of assigned readings and a series of lab exercises. Lectures are primarily oriented
toward understanding theoretical aspects of geodatabases, while labs exercises are devoted to developing expertise in
the use of various software packages.
FACILITIES
The GIS lab in the Department of Geography and Geology (Rooms 226 & 237, Strong Hall) provides the computing
facilities for this course. Students have access to GIS and related software as well as personal computers and other
hardware. Access to GIS software is also available in Halle Library.
RECOMMENDED TEXT
Arctur, D. & Zeiler, M., Designing geodatabases: Case studies in GIS data modeling, ESRI Press: Redlands, 2004.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Lab Exercises 40%; 2 tests – 15% each; Weekly Quiz, 10%; Final Project 20%
Please note that the time allotted for labs is not sufficient to complete assignments. You are encouraged to make full
use of the computer lab when classes are not in session to complete assignments.
INTENDED WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week 1. Introduction to Enterprise GIS; Conceptual Geodatabase Design
Lecture
Enterprise GIS; Conceptual geodatabase design principles
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Lab
Conceptual design of a parcel geodatabase. Sketching a simple UML diagram of the parcel database.
Readings
a. Database Management Systems http://www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/geog470/Big_Book/BB1v1_ch18.pdf
b. Designing the GIS Database Schema
http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/89/04712048/0471204889.pdf
c. Arctur, D. & Zeiler, Chp 1.
Week 2. Logical Geodatabase Design
Lecture
Logical geodatabase design (Normalizing tables, designing views, indexes, and integrity constraints).
Lab
Normalization exercise.
Readings
a. An Introduction to Database Normalization
http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/articles/intro-to-normalization.html
b. Arctur, D. & Zeiler, Chp 1
Week 3. Physical Database Design Using Microsoft Access
Lecture
Creation of databases, tables, columns, indexes, records, queries, etc,
Lab
Physically creating a Microsoft Access database to store parcel attribute data; linking the parcel database to ArcGIS
using ODBC, and performing attribute queries.
Readings
a. Using Microsoft Access
http://www.bradley.edu/irt/cs/training/access/index.shtml
b. Pennsylvania Groundwater Information System (PaGWIS) Documentation
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/groundwater/PaGWIS/help.aspx
c. Kroenke and Auer, Chp 10.
Week 4. Storing Attribute Database in Postgresql; Introduction to SQL
Lecture
- Introduction to Postgresql as an example of a large-scale database used for storing GIS attribute data.
- Using SQL to create tables and perform queries
Lab
Creating and populating Oracle tables with parcel attribute data, linking the database tables to ArcGIS using ODBC,
and performing attribute queries.
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Readings
Creating Oracle Databases
http://www.examcram2.com/articles/article.asp?p=350920&rl=1
Weeks 5 and 6 - Personal and File Geodatabases
Lecture
Introduction to File and Personal Geodatabase.
Lab
- Designing a geodatabase schema for a water utility network using Visio (Group Work).
- Using ArcCatalog Case Tools to generate the geodatabase schema. Digitizing the water
utility network. Performing network analysis on the geodatabase (Individual work).
Readings
a Types of Geodatabases. ArcGIS Help.
b. Working with Geodatabases http://www.thsoa.org/hy03/7_1.pdf
c. Arctur & Zeiler, Chp 1.
Weeks 7 and 8 Enterprise Geodatabase Implementation
Lecture
Spatial data management using ArcSDE, Oracle Spatial and PostgreSQL.
Lab
Converting the water utility personal geodatabase into an ArcSDE Geodabase.
Readings
a. Enterprise Geodatabase Implementation
http://www.mapmiddleeast.org/magazine/2006/mar-apr/42_1.htm
b. A Road Map to Implementing an Enterprise GIS
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc01/professional/papers/pap315/p315.htm
c. . Arctur & Zeiler, Chps 2,3
Week 9. Commercial and Open Sources Spatial Databases
Lecture
Commercial and Open Sources Spatial Databases
Lab
Completing and presenting an Enterprise Geodatabase Geodatabase based on Oracle Spatial or PostgreSQL
Readings: Kothuri Ravi et al, 2004, Chps 1 & 2.
Weeks 10 -11. Survey of Geodatabase Desktop Client Applications
Lecture
- Out of the box GIS commercial and open source desktop GIS client applications.
- Custom GIS desktop applications for enterprise GIS
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Lab
Building a simple enterprise GIS using out of the box GIS desktop GIS client applications
Readings: See EMUOnline
Weeks 12 & 13. Survey of Geodatabase Web Mapping Client Applications
Lecture
- Basic principles of interactive web mapping.
- Web Mapping with ArcGIS Server, MapServer, and Google Map
Lab
Interactive web mapping using ArcGIS Server
Readings: See EMUOnline
Week 14. Presentation of Final Project
Completion and presentation of final project.
Final Project
As part of your course work, you are required to conceptualize and execute a GIS project. The project is intended to
provide a better understanding of the procedures involved in creating geodatabases and connecting client applications
to the geodatabase. In order to complete the project, students will work in groups consisting of two or three students.
You are responsible for forming your groups.
Project topics should be selected based on group interests, but the focus could be on an enterprise geodatabase that
supports only desktop GIS clients, web mapping clients, or both. Also, you should build a geodatabase that supports a
particular type of activity, e.g., transportation, parcel mapping, geological mapping, etc. You should set specific
deadlines for completing various aspects of your project in order to ensure that the work is completed in time for class
presentation and submission of the final report. Some of the project milestones include:
1. Selection of project topic.
2. Discussion of project outline with instructor.
3. Completion of data collection and analysis.
4. Oral presentation in last week of class.
5. Written report due on last day of classes.
Additional information on the group project will be given during class.
GRADING SCHEME
A
93 - 100%
A90 - 92%
B+
87 - 89%
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B 83 – 86%
B - 80 – 82%
C+ 77 – 79%
C 73 – 76%
C- 70 – 72
D+ 67 – 69%
D 63 – 66%
D- 60 -62
E 59 and Less
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS
1. All written assignments must be word-processed. Maps should be neatly drawn and reflect professional
cartographic standards.
2. You are encouraged to adopt a team approach when working on GIS problems, but your individual assignments will
be your own work. Students should be aware of EMU’s policy on plagiarism and the associated penalties.
GRADING POLICY
A
93 - 100%
B 83 – 86%
A90 - 92%
B - 80 – 82%
B+
87 - 89%
C+ 77 – 79%
C 73 – 76%
C- 70 – 72%
D+ 67 – 69%
D 63 – 66%
D- 60 -62
E 59 and Less
ADDITIONAL READINGS
Arctur, D. & Zeiler, M., Designing geodatabases: Case studies in GIS data modeling, ESRI Press: Redlands, 2004.
Bernard1 Eric A, Steward David R., and Le Grand Philippe, 2005. A Geodatabase for Groundwater Modeling in
MLAEM and MODFLOW, Paper 1633, ESRI International User Conference.
Butler, J, 2008. Designing Geodatabases for Transportation. ESRI Inc, Redlands, CA.
Kothuri Ravi, Godfrind Albert, and Beinat Euro, 2004. Pro Oracle Spatial, Springer-Verlag.
Kroenke David M. and Auer, David, 2010. Database Processing. Fundamentals, Design and Implementation. Prentice
Hall, N.J.
MacDonald Andrew, 2002, Building a Geodatabase: ESRI Inc, Redlands, CA.
Maidment, D. R., Arc Hydro GIS for Water Resources, Redlands: ESRI Press, 2002.
Matthew Neil and Stones Richard, 2008. Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL. From Novice to Professionals.
Apress, New York.
McArthur, K., P. Zardo, and W. Burmeister. 2006. Implementing an Enterprise GISBased Regional Watershed
Management System. Proceedings AWRA 2006, Houston, Texas
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O’Meara, Stephanie A., Heather I. Stanton, James Chappell, Greg Mack, Anne R. Poole and Georgia Hybels, 2005b,
National Park Service Geologic Resources Evaluation Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model (Draft v. 1.2),
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/geology/GeologyGISDataModel.htm.
Rigaux, P., Scholl, M., and Voisard, A. (2002) Spatial Databases: with application to GIS. Morgan Kaufmann
Publishers.
Zeiler Michael, 1999. Modeling our world: the ESRI guide to geodatabase design. Environmental Systems Research
Institute, Redlands, Calif.
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