Geographic Information Science Department
Houston Community College
Department Phone Number: 713-718-6776
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Houston Community College
GISC 1401 Cartography and Geography in Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems
Course Syllabus
Instructor
Name: Pablo Loucel
Tel: 713-718-6776 (leave message)
Office:
Email: pablo.loucel@hccs.edu
Website: http://southwest.hccs.edu/southwest/workforce/geographic-information-science
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
28160
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 Tuesday 6:00 –
10:00 pm
Instructional
Materials
Instructor will make e-books recommendations first day of class
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
ESRI materials
USB Flash Memory
Instructor's
Requirements
Instructor Grading
Criteria
Course Calendar
GISC 1401
Spring 2011
Week
st
Tuesday
1
Overview
2nd
Shape of Earth
3rd
Exercise 1
Frames of Reference
4th
Exercise 2
Map Projections Cartography
5th
Map Design
Global Positioning System
6th
GPS/ ArcPad
Open Lab
7th
Geodatabases: Intro
Geodatabase Design
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Exercise 3
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8th
9th
Data Models
Import Data
School Closed
10th
Topology Subtypes/Domains
11th
Relationships
Annotation
Exam
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
Raster
Address Locators
Open Lab
Open Lab
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
W/D Day
Final Project
(All Work Due)
Final Project
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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.
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Grades:
Student Assignments
30%
20%
10%
25%
15%
Refer to the course calendar
Student Assessment(s)
Program/Discipline
Requirements:
4 Exercises
Term Exam
Final Project Presentation
Final Project Geodatabase
Final Project Written Report
Assessment criteria under development
Instructors will use syllabus that will satisfy CurricuUNET requirements and improve ongoing assessment of student-centered learning and teaching.
Academic Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes

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).
1.
SCANS and/or Core
Curriculum Competencies:
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
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Access Student Services
Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
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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