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: Dr. Ling Zhang
Email: ling.zhang@hccs.edu
Website: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/ling.zhang
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
92017
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)
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 10.1 - By Wilpen L. Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland
ISBN: 9781589483354
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
Lab Exercises 20%
Class Assignments and Tests 20%
Midterm 10%
Final Exams 10%
Student Project/Modules/Tutorials 30%
Class Participation 10%
Tentative Course Calendar
Dates
Topics:
01/25
Introduction To Cartography and GIS
Chapter 1, chapter 2
02/01
02/08
Chapter 3
02/15
No class (President’s Day)
02/22
Chapter 4
02/29
Chapter 5
03/07
Midterm Review
03/14
Computer Science Technology Department
No Class (Spring Break)
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03/21
Mid-term exam
03/28
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
04/04
04/11
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
04/18
04/25
Chapter 10,11
05/02
Final exam review
Course project due
05/09
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 Scope
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Student team work and
project
Understand Cartography concept and theory
Understand the elements of cartography
Be able to describe and apply cartographic principles in map production
Be able to use the ESRI’s ArcGIS desktop software to produce maps
Be able to use the ESRI’s web mapping tools in map production
Student Project: Using the knowledge gained in class lectures and labs, the student will
build a geographic database (ESRI ArcGIS file 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.
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Students can begin this project at any time, but the project is designed to consume the
last 4 weeks of the term.
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
At Houston Community College, students will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results
of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for the
purpose of continual improvement of instruction. Students can look for the survey as
part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the
term when it is available.
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.
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HCC Policy Statement
Access Student Services
Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Discrimination
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have
policies and procedures that protect students’ right with regard to sex/gender
discrimination. Information regarding these rights is on the HCC website under
Student-Anti-discrimination. Students who are pregnant and require
accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance. It is
important that every student understand and conforms to respectful behavior
while at HCC. Sexual misconduct is not condoned and will be addressed promptly.
Know your rights and how to avoid these difficult situations. Log in
www.edurisksolutions.org. Sign in using your HCC student email account, then go
to the button at the top right that says Login and enter your student number.
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
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