Semester:
Class:
Class Time:
Location:
Office Hours:
Department of Computer Science & Technology
Wendy Zhang
Fayard Hall 329D, 985-549-3769
wzhang@selu.edu
Fall 2009
CMPS 450/550 - Spatial Database and Applications
T, TH 9:30am – 10:45am
Fay 215
T, TH 8:30am – 9:30am, 10:45am –12:30pm
Current Course Description: Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Computer Science 390. Topics
include introduction to GIS, map projections and coordinate systems, spatial data structures, data
entry, spatial database management, spatial analysis, remote sensing, GPS and GIS, internet GIS,
and GIS scientific applications.
Textbook: “Concepts and Techniques in Geographic Information Systems“, C.P. Lo and Albert
K. W. Yeung, Second Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-13-149502-X.
“GIS Tutorial – Workbook for ArcView 9.3”, W. L. Gorr and K. S. Kurland. Second
Edition, ESRI Press. ISBN: 978-1-58948-205-0. www.esri..com (You have to
purchase the workbook.)
Minimum Topics:
 Introduction to Geographics Information Systems (GIS) and Global Position Systems
(GPS)
 Maps and geospatial data
 Digital Representation and organization of geospatial data
 Geospatial data quality, structure, and standards
 Vector-based GIS Data Processing (geoprocessing)
 Remote Sensing and GIS integration
 Spatial data analysis, modeling, and mining
 GIS application and implementation
Learning Objectives: Students will be able:
 To understand the basic terminology of Geographics Information Systems (GIS) and
Global Position Systems (GPS)
 To learn map projections and coordinate systems
 To understand geospatial structures, data entry, spatial database management
 To appreciate the challenge faced by Remote Sensing and GIS integration
 To perform Vector-based GIS Data Processing (geoprocessing)
 To learn Spatial data analysis, modeling, and mining
 To use GIS software to implement scientific applications
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Grading Policy:
Final course grades will be computed as follows:
Lab /Assignment
Project
Presentations
60%
30%
10%
Warning:
Students must submit all assignments and finish the project in order to
receive a passing grade.
Grading Scale:
A ten-point grading scale will be used for determining final grades,
no curving. A perfect attendance record can be helpful for students
within one percentage point from the next higher grade.
90 % and up
-A
80 % to 89.9 %
-B
70 % to 79.9 %
-C
60% to 69.9%
-D
60 % and below
-F
Assignments:
All assignments and results must be computer generated. Be sure
that all required elements are included in your submission.
All assignments should be done independently; students share the score
of any duplicated assignments.
No late assignments/homework will be accepted.
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory for all sessions of this course. Students who
have more than 6 unexcused hours will be dropped from the course.
Absences will be excused only with a valid written excuse, such as from a
physician.
Absences will have an adverse effect on your grade in the following ways:
missed quiz points, missed announcements concerning assignments and
due dates, non-exposure to material not directly covered in text.
Students arriving late or leaving early will be recorded as tardy. Every two
tardy records will count as an absence.
Students are responsible to sign the attendance sheet for every class.
Academic
Dishonesty:
University policy will be followed for cases involving alleged academic
dishonesty. Copying part of another student’s program or exam is
CHEATING. Allowing another student to copy is also CHEATING.
For more information refer to the “Academic Dishonesty” policy in the
University Undergraduate Catalog:
http://www2.selu.edu/StudentAffaires/Handbook/
Use of
Blackboard:
Blackboard will be used as a supplemental to this course. The lecture
notes and assignments will be posted on the Blackboard. You may also
submit your assignments on Blackboard.
Classroom Decorum: Free discussion, inquiry, and expression are encouraged in this class.
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Classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to
conduct the class or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the
instructor is not acceptable. Examples include routinely entering class late
or departing early; use of beepers, cellular telephones, or other electronic
devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized; talking
while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as
“crossing the civility line.”
In the event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a
beeper or cellular telephone to class, prior notice and approval of the
instructor is required.
The office/classroom is not a place for children and neither employees nor
students are to bring their family members for day care or baby sitting. If
children require care, then the employee/student is expected to provide
that care in an environment other than Southeastern office/classroom
space.
Americans with
Disabilities Act:
If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations
under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to
self-identify with the Office of Disability Services, Room 203, Student
Union. More information can be obtain at this web address,
http://www2.selu.edu/StudentAffairs/DisabilityServices/
Open Door Policy: The instructor welcomes input to help making your learning of the
material in this course better and easier. Please feel free to come
by the office and voice your suggestions and ideas.
Notes:
-
-
Last day to drop: Friday, October 23, 2009.
Check Blackboard often for important announcements.
Holidays: September 7, October 1-2, and November 25-27.
Students are responsible for all assigned reading material covered in text,
whether covered in class or not. Students are responsible for all material
covered in class or on the handouts, whether covered in textbook or not.
The last day to return the text book is Monday, December 14.
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