Geographic Information Science Department
Houston Community College
Department Phone Number: 713-718-6776
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Houston Community College
Cartography & Geography in GIS and GPS – GISC 1401
Course Syllabus
Instructor
Name: Aditya Tadakaluru
Email: Aditya.Tadakaluru@hccs.edu
Website: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/aditya.tadakaluru
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
35625
Course Description:
Introduction to the principles of cartography and geography. Emphasis on global reference
systems and the use of satellites for measurements and navigation.
Course
Prerequisite(s)
GISC 1411 or Department Approval
Course Semester
Credit Hours (SCH)
(Lecture, Lab)
Credit Hours 4.0 (Lecture 3, Lab 3) Web-Enhanced 4 hrs. Lecture & 2 hrs. online
Course
Location/Times
Stafford Campus Room E115
Scarcella Building Monday 6:00 –
10:00 pm
Instructional
Materials
ESRI Documentation
GIS Tutorial 1 Basic Workbook For ArcGIS 10 - By Wilpen L. Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland
ISBN: 9781589482593
http://esripress.esri.com/display/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&websiteID=184
Instructional
Methods (select one)
Face to Face
Web-enhanced (49% or less)
Distance (100%)
Course Length (number of weeks)
Computer Science Technology Department
Course Level
Total Course Contact Hours
Type of Instruction (Lecture,
Lecture/Lab, COOP,
Practicum
Beginning
96
Lecture/Lab,
16 Weeks
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Course Requirement, Policy, and
Course Calendar
Instructor's
Requirements
The HCCS attendance policy is stated in the Schedule of Classes: “Students are expected to
attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for materials covered during their absences,
and it is the student's responsibility to consult with instructors for make-up assignments. Class
attendance is checked daily by instructors. Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop
a course for non-attendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for excessive
absences. A student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences after the student has
accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and
laboratory time).”
Instructor Grading
Criteria
Assignments – 250 pts.
Midterm – 250 pts.
Final Exam - 250 pts.
ESRI Course Project - 250 pts.
Final grade = (Assignments + ESRI Course Project + Midterm + Final exam) / 100
Tentative Course Calendar
Dates
Assignments
02/11
Introduction
02/18
Chapter 1, chapter 2
02/25
Chapter 3
03/04
Chapter 4
03/11
Spring break – no class
03/18
Chapter 4, Chapter 5
Computer Science Technology Department
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Midterm
03/25
04/01
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
04/08
Chapter 8
04/15
04/22
Chapter 9
04/29
Final exam review
ESRI Course project due
05/06
Final Exam
**** I reserve the right to change anything in the course schedule
If I feel it is necessary
Computer Science Technology Department
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Learning Objective, Students Learning Outcome, and
Program Spec
Note: This section of the syllabus provides the general course learning objectives, the expected students
learning outcome, the course scope in terms of the department program, and the instrument used to evaluate
the course. If you have any question, contact the instructor or the department.
HCC Grading Scale
Grade
A = 100- 90
B = 89 - 80:
C = 79 - 70:
D = 69 - 60:
59 and below = F
IP (In Progress)
W(Withdrawn)
I (Incomplete)
AUD (Audit)
GPA Points
4 points per semester hour
3 points per semester hour
2 points per semester hour
1 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll
to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses.
To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of
semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.
Course Student Learning
Outcomes (SLO):
• explain the basic concepts of accuracy, precision, and scale in GIS/GPS;(SCANS: F1, F2)
• summarize GPS elevations and the operating environment for GPS;(SCANS: F2, F3)
• create spatial data with real time GPS data;(SCANS: W2, F2, W3)
• recognize discrepancies in data presentations; (SCANS: W3)
• import GPS data into GIS; and evaluate data before transforming for scale and
accuracy;(SCANS: F2, W3, F5)
• manage the geographic information in a dynamic database situation;(SCANS: W4)
Learning Objectives
Student Project: Using the knowledge gained in class lecture and labs, and based on any
personal or professional interests, the student will build a geographic database (ESRI ArcGIS
Geodatabase format). The Geodatabase may include data collected via GPS. This project
will require the student to demonstrate their understanding of GPS and GIS Technology,
Data compilation and development, and the benefits of using a Geodatabase.
A presentation to the class, discussing project goals, successes and failures, problems
solved, etc. (with a final written report with at least one map) is due in week 16. Students
can begin this project at any time, but the project is designed to consume the last 4 weeks
of the term.
Computer Science Technology Department
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Student Assignments
Student Assessment(s)
Program/Discipline
Requirements:
Academic Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes
SCANS and/or Core
Curriculum Competencies:
Refer to the course calendar
Assessment criteria under development
Instructors will use syllabus that will satisfy CurricuUNET requirements and improve ongoing assessment of student-centered learning and teaching.

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the global natural
and cultural environments and the geographic methods by which they are
studied.

Students will be able to recognize, evaluate, and analyze critical issues
that deal with diversity of people, places, and events globally as well as
within specific geographic regions.

Students will be able to interpret maps and mapped data utilizing basic map elements,
including scales, common coordinate systems, and map symbols.

Students will be able to use a computer effectively to research, map and
analyze geographic information and communicate geographic
information.

Students will be able to compare and contrast common geographic
technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and the
global positioning system (GPS).
W1- Managing Resources - Manage time, money, material, space, staff.
W2- Exhibiting Interpersonal Skills - Work on teams; teach others; Serve customers; Lead
work teams; Negotiate with others; Work with different cultures.
W3- Working with Information - Acquire/evaluate data; Organize/Maintain data;
Interpret/communicate data; Process information with computers.
W4- Applying Systems Knowledge - Understand systems; Monitor/correct systems
performance; Design/improve systems.
W5 - Using Technology- Select equipment and tools; Apply technology to specific tasks;
Maintain/troubleshoot technologies.
F1- Demonstrate Basic Skills - Reading; Writing; Arithmetic/mathematics; Speaking;
Listening.
F2- Demonstrating Thinking Skills - Creative thinking; Decision making; Problem solving;
Thinking Logically; Seeing with the mind's eye.
F3- Exhibiting Personal Qualities - Individual responsibility; Self-esteem; Sociability; Selfmanagement; Integrity.
HCC Policy Statement
Access Student Services
Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
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Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies
Access DE Policies on their
Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-student-handbook
Access CE Policies on their
Web site for non-credit
classes:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
Competencies: If applicable
Computer Science Technology Department
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