SYLLABUS
CAD 2063 – Introduction to GIS/GPS
Spring 2009
Instructor:
E-mail:
Web Site:
Phone:
Office hours:
Text:
Reference:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
Mr. Mark Polson
mpolson@cameron.edu
www.cameron.edu/~mpolson
580/581-2336
4:00 to 5:00 PM Monday and Wednesday in room 212B
(or by appointment).
Geographic Information Systems and Science by Paul A. Longley
The Global Positioning System and GIS by Michael Kennedy
5:00 to 5:50PM Monday and Wednesday in room 213.
6:00 to 6:50PM Monday and Wednesday in room 201.
OBJECTIVES: This course is an introduction to one of the fastest growing technologies of GIS
and GPS. It will cover the fundamentals of GIS concepts, its capabilities, and applications, with
emphasis on the nature of spatial data and on the issues of data input, data models, database
design, spatial analysis, and data output. It also covers the basics of GPS theory, how a GPS
works, how to use a GPS receiver, data collection and data integration into GIS format. The
topics covered in this course include the GPS method of collecting data, refinement of data,
data storage and integration with GIS software.
PREREQUISITE: NONE
GRADE:
100%-90%: A 89%-80%: B 79%-70%: C 69%-60%: D 59%-0: F
I: Incomplete due to serious personal illness.
W: Withdraw from the course. *
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to lower the number of points required to
earn one or more of the letter grade categories.
* The instructor does not have the authority to withdraw the student from class.
The procedure must be initiated by the student. The last day to withdraw from
the class with an automatic W is April 13, 2009.
GRADE CALCULATION: Grades will be awarded for the following assignments and the grade
will be based on the total percentage.
Group Project:
Exams:
Lab Exercises:
Individual Presentation:
Quizzes:
Total Possible:
1 @ 200 points each
2 @ 150 points each
10 @ 30 points each
1 @ 100 points each
4 @ 25 points each
=
=
=
=
=
200
300
300
100
100
-----1000
20%
30%
30%
10%
10%
------100%
As the instructor I reserve the right to award letter grades higher than the percentage earned
would guarantee.
LAB EXERCISES: Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, all lab exercises are due one
week from the date of assignment. Assignments turned in after the due date will be penalized
25%. Late work will not be accepted after the instructor has returned the assignment to the
class. There will be approximately 11 lab exercises utilizing the ArcGIS software and the
Trimble GPS receiver. The lowest lab grade will be dropped, so the lab grade will be based on
the highest 10 lab grades. The labs will consist of a combination of map drawing activities, data
collection in the field, and case studies.
EXAMINATIONS: Examinations will be composed of questions and problems discussed in
class and in the lab. Problems will be taken from the reading and the lab assignments. There
will be no make-up exams given unless in case of emergency. A letter from a doctor/court
clerk/minister is needed to support the claim. There will be two exams.
GROUP PROJECT: The group project will involve case studies which have to be recreated with
different parameters. Students can work in a group of 3 students maximum. Projects should be
created in a professional manner with supporting data, printouts of maps and visual illustrations.
The group projects will use the skills learned in the previous labs. The group projects will be
presented to the class using PowerPoint slides. A formal report is also required consisting of at
least 4 typewritten pages. Each student should be involved in the presentation.
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION: You will make a 10 minute presentation on one of your
previously completed lab exercises. You will need to create from 5 to 10 PowerPoint slides and
present the lab exercise results to the class. You will be randomly assigned one of your
previously completed labs approximately one month before the presentation. A formal report
consisting of at least 4 typewritten pages is also required.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Refer to “attendance” in the university catalog. Regular class
attendance is highly recommended although not required. Attendance for scheduled exams is
required. There will be NO MAKE-UP EXAMS and no exams will be given early.
QUIZZES: Approximately 5 quizzes will be given during the semester. The quizzes may be
announced or unannounced. No make-up quizzes will be given. The highest 4 quiz scores will
be used for the quiz grade.
Accommodations of Disabilities:
It is the policy of Cameron University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to
federal and state law. Students with disabilities who need classroom accommodations must
make their requests by contacting the Office of Student Development at (580) 581-2209, North
Shepler, Room 314.
Academic Honesty:
Each student is expected to engage in all academic pursuits in a manner that is above
reproach. Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the academic
experiences both in and out of the classroom. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty
will be subject to disciplinary action.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
EXAM NUMBER
Mid-Term
Final
CHAPTERS
1-5, 9, 14,15
Comprehensive
DATE
March 16
May 6
No class will be held on Martin Luther King Day, Monday January 19. This will be made up
during finals week. We will meet on Monday, May 4, to review for the final on Wednesday,
May 6.