Teaching Resources: Spatial Analysis
Unit 1: Reviewing the Basics of Geospatial Data - Students will review the basics of geospatial
data including data organization in an appropriate format such as a geodatabase; the importance
and role of coordinate system definition and projection between coordinate systems; the
differences between vector and raster data formats; and basic cartographic and data presentation
techniques. (optional primarily for background only, SLO 1)
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Unit 2: Introduction to Geospatial Analysis - Students will start to think about using geospatial
data to explore data realtionships. Students will learn how to prepare a simple data set using a
straightforward method such as a join. Students will classify quantitative data using a variety of
statistical methods. Students will create a scatter plot of data and will present results of analysis
in graph and cartographic format. (SLO 1, 5)
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Unit 3: Using Advanced Attribute and Spatial Queries for Data Exploration - Students will
be given a data set that requires performing advanced queries to prepare the data for use in
analysis. Students will use a data dictionary to decipher coded data in an attribute table.
Students will determine how to use queries to address a question. Selection by location and
bufferin is also introduced. (SLO 1, 2, 5)
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Unit 4: Vector Data Analysis: Overlay Techniques - Students will learn vector overlay
analysis tools and concepts including union, intersect and identity, and how these tools can be
used to analyze multiple geospatial data sets to answer a question. Students will convert from
coverage format to modern GIS data fomat. Environment settings to enhance data organization
will be introduced. (SLO 1, 3, 4, 5)
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Unit 5: Vector Data Analysis: Creating a Site Selection Model - Students will be learn
proximity analysis including buffering lines and polygons. Students will be introduced to the
concept of a geospatial data model by developing flow charts. Students will develop a model
that satisfies multiple location criteria for a given project. (SLO 1, 3, 4, 5)
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Unit 6: Vector Data Analysis: Network Analysis - Students will prepare a vector data set for
use in a network routing exercise including building topology. Students will use network
techniques to create efficient routes including modeling of impedances. Students will generate
service areas based on network analysis. (SLO 1, 3, 4)
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Unit 7: Building an Automated Model - Students will learn how to implement a multi-step
model using automation tools. Students will learn to set appropriate environmental settings prior
to running a model. They will set model parameters in order to alter model inputs. They will
export their model to a script and edit the script. (SLO 3, 4)
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Unit 8: Raster Data Analysis: Working with Topographic Data - Students will learn how to
use raw elevation data to create slope, aspect and hillshade surfaces. Students will use elevation
and derived data sets to analyze an environmental issue. Students will reclassify raster data and
use in a map algebra-based model, including weighting techniques. Students will use viewshed
analysis to enhance site selection. Students will be introduced to TINs (SLO 1, 3, 4, 5)
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Unit 9: Raster Data Analysis: Working with Hydrographic Data - Students will obtain
appropriate data sets and use them to do a surface hydrological analysis. Students will generate
streams using flow direction and accumulation surfaces. Students will create watersheds based
on topographic data. Students will use hydrographic data to analyze a scientific question. (SLO
1, 3, 4, 5)
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Unit 10: Raster Data Analysis: Density Surfaces - Students will interpolate data density
surfaces from point data using appropriate methods. Students will convert between vector and
raster format. Students will develop approach to a given question using density techniques.
(SLO 1,2,3,4,5)
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Unit 11: Database Design and Schema Implementation – Students will build on the basics of
Geodatabase design, learning how to implement subtypes, default values and other tools.
Importing existing database schema will be introduced.
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Unit 12: Student Project – Solve a problem using geospatial technology from goals and data
acquisition to analysis and processing to cartographic presentation and publishing. Students will
create their own data using electronic methods (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
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Funded by National Science Foundation
Advanced Technological Education program
[DUE #0801893]. Author’s opinions are not
necessarily shared by NSF