26 January 2011
Tidewater Community College
Advance Technology Center
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, VA
Modeling and Simulation (AT 8462)
Geographical Information System (GIS) Module
By William S. Jackson
Modeling and Simulation (one year) Course description:
Students use 3ds Max software to create, modify, light, animate, and add special effects to virtual
3D models and environments that can be used to simulate activities in the medical,
transportation, military, electronic gaming and advertising fields.
Students should be co-enrolled in or successfully completed Geometry. Some computer aided
drafting (CAD) experience is preferred. Basic Technical Drawing (TE8435) is required for
potential credit with Old Dominion University. Students prepare for the 3ds Max Certification.
The majority of the Modeling and Simulation post graduates pursue college degrees in Graphic
Design, Computer Science, and Engineering-related programs.
Geospatial Technology Goal:
This four week Geospatial Technology Instructional module will be taught in the second
semester of the Virginia Beach City Schools, Advanced Technology Center’s Modeling and
Simulation course. This course is taught annually to 40 high school students. The instructional
emphasis will be to promote spatial thinking, increase awareness of geographical information
systems (GIS) and inspire curiosity about geographic patterns and map representation in high
school students. Additionally, students taking the course will develop awareness about the
varied career paths associated with the Geospatial Technology.
Linkage:
Tidewater Community College offers a Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information
Systems. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Career Studies Certificate program is
designed to provide students with skills to visualize, analyze, and model systems to help in the
planning and decision-making processes of a business organization, thereby making
geographical information accessible to scientists, planners, decision makers, and the public.
Graduates may be employed as GIS specialists within a private, public, or governmental agency.
It is expected that students exposed to the lessons in the GIS module may pursue studies at the
Community College level in Geospatial Technology.
Tasks / Competencies:
Examining Past, Present, and Future Geospatial Technologies
1. Describe the historical background of global positioning systems, geographical
information systems, and remote sensing (GPS/GIS/RS).
2. Identify local to global geospatial jobs/careers.
3. Identify major users of geospatial technologies.
Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
1. Mark a data point (latitude and longitude), using a hand-held GPS receiver.
2. Enter GPS points digitally into a mapping system.
3. Navigate to an object at a given longitude and latitude, using a hand-held GPS receiver.
4. Locate a collected waypoint on a GPS unit.
5. Record attributes of an "event," using GPS data.
6. Define "geodetic marker."
Creating and Using Maps
1. Identify basic map components for a layout.
2. Identify various types of maps.
3. Develop ideas, sketches, notes, and maps to solve problems.
Working with Remote Sensing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Define "electromagnetic spectrum."
Identify sources of remotely sensed data.
Use remotely sensed images as a data set with unique characteristics.
Use aerial and satellite images as a base map.
Analyze geographic features using remote sensing.
Manipulating Geographic Data (GIS)
1. Display geographic data with GIS.
2. Create a GIS map showing the three spatial components.
3. Show the relationship between spatial components and the associated database of
attributes.
4. Show attributes of data by using different classification schemes.
5. Use a Boolean query to select features.
6. Use topology to select features by location.
7. Compare and contrast tabular data, raster data, and vector data.
8. Download geospatial data from the Internet.
Managing Geospatial Projects
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Define the design problem.
Identify design problem constraints.
Identify data requirements.
Collect geospatial data from the field.
Compose a technical document that includes a presentation analysis map.
Develop a product that shows spatial reasoning.
Present final project results.
Support Virginia SOL’s:
Earth Science ES 1, ES 3; World Geography WG.1 – WG.8; Computer Technology C/T 9-12.6, C/T 912.7, C/T 9-12.8, C/T 9-12.9
Equipment and Materials Needed: Computers w/ Internet, ArcGIS Explorer, Garmin software, Google
Earth 6, GPS handheld units, audio head set, 7.5 minute quadrangle topo Williamsburg map or local area
1. Week 1 – Introduction to Geospatial Technologies
During this unit students will learn what Geospatial Technology is and how it is used to solve
many problems and improve our lives.
1.1. Before lessons begin, administer the Pre/Post Test.
1.2. Introduce Geospatial Technologies with 4 minute video “What is GIS” Overview online video
1.2.1. Discuss - What can GIS Do? A geographic information system (GIS) allows us to view,
understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships,
patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. Show online
Earthquake maps. Drill down to local area of most recent earthquake. Location?
Show PowerPoint – Introduction to Geospatial Technology from VA Tech Staff
1.2.2. “Geospatial Revolution” Project – Introduction Trailer (5 minute video) the following
topics are covered:
1.2.2.1.
Wild fire data collection
1.2.2.2.
Aerial photography use in mapping
1.2.2.3.
Political modeling and mapping
1.2.2.4.
Military mapping
1.2.2.5.
Climate change
1.2.2.6.
Human rights issues and Disaster Relief
1.2.3. Review the Geospatial Revolution Project from Penn State University (14 minute video).
While watching this video, students will list the major areas that were discussed concerning
GIS. Answers below. Students will then partner with a fellow student and develop an
informational PowerPoint presentation about a given area below:
1.2.3.1.
GPS; Remote Sensing; Mobile Devices; timeline; Topologically Integrated
Geographic Encoding and Referencing (Tiger) Files; Mobile devices, Haiti Disaster
1.2.4. Who Uses GIS – City of Houston, Department of Planning and Development
1.2.4.1.
Review Industry Uses - See how businesses, governments, educators and
scientists, environmental and conservation organizations, natural resource groups, and
utilities benefit from using GIS.
1.2.4.2.
Each student will select or be assigned a GIS application to research and brief the
class. See List GIS applications
1.2.4.3.
Watch the video “Geospatial Revolution” Episode 2 - UPS Using GIS (5 minute
video)
1.3. Students Create ESRI Global Account Create new ESRI Global Account
Remember your log in information; you will need it for future training.
1.4. Watch the Introduction to GIS lessons by Phil Hurvitz: You will need your audio head set.
1.4.1. Lesson 1 Why learn GIS (27 Minutes)
1.4.2. Lesson 2 Introduction and Overview (31.5 Minutes)
1.4.3. Lesson 3 GIS fundamentals and Basic Data Types (40.5 Minutes)
2. Week 2 – GPS Lessons
During this unit students will learn what Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) are.
Students will use the GPS to find geographical data.
2.1. Introduction to GPS. Discuss the following PPT Introduction to GPS
2.1.1. Show and discuss GPS receivers and Geocaching PowerPoint
2.1.1.1.
Garmin etrex handheld GPS specification.
2.1.1.2.
Other uses of GPS units - Dog tracking
2.1.2. Watch GPS lesson online (end at slide Precision Timing) – must have audio headset and
computer volume not muted. (13 minutes)
2.1.3. GPS related reading assignment: http://www.gpseducationresource.com/gpsnews.htm
select and read an article and complete the information data sheet.
2.1.4. (Alternative) ppt Introduction online PowerPoint presentation
2.1.5. Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) agriculture
2.1.6. Look at real time GPS mapping of TCC shuttle bus.
2.2. GPS Tracking – Walk the perimeter of assigned TCC building or area (map) laying down points
as you go. Download points into your software.
2.2.1. Use tracking and waypoints to plot area on the ground. See sample VA Tech parking lot
2.2.2. Show and discuss PowerPoint on how to use GPS unit
2.2.3. Use your GPS to find points on TCC campus. Complete Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
Sample Va Tech Scavenger Hunt
2.3. Using specific lat / lon fly to the following locations using Google Earth 6: Locate the waypoint
for these sites at this website. Pay attention to the lat/lon format required for Google Earth.
(Pentagon, White House, Monticello, tower in Pisa, Italy, Bigben Clock, London, Eiffel Tower
in Paris, France, Tower Bridge, London, and 3 other sites of your choosing.)
2.3.1. At this site type in your school/home address and convert it to latitude and longitude. Then
plug the lat/lon into Google Earth. Convert the lat/lon of the sites above to addresses.
2.4. Students will team up and find Geo caches on campus
2.4.1. Show video of “Getting Started with Geocaching” overview video at Geocaching.com
2.4.1.1.
Watch video Geocaching: From the Web to the Woods. Stanford University
developed video. (5 minutes)
2.4.1.2.
Follow the steps to register for a free Basic Membership at Geocaching.com
2.4.2. Watch video on how to use your GPS. Garmin eTrex GPS Instructions Part 1. (2 minutes)
2.4.3. Watch video on how to use your GPS to mark waypoints. Part 2. (2 minutes)
2.4.4. Show Geocaching video on using the Garmin eTrex GPS. (5 minute) YouTube video
2.4.5. Navigate to an object at a given longitude and latitude using a hand-held GPS receiver.
2.4.5.1.
Mark a data point using a hand-held GPS receiver.
2.4.5.2.
Locate cache in our area. You can search by address, postal code, state or lat
/lon.
3. Week 3 – GIS Activity – Basic Mapping, Arc Explorer, ArcGIS 9.3, Google Earth 6 http://www.arcgis.com/home/
During this unit students will learn how to use mapping tools and software.
3.1. Show and discuss PowerPoint on Introduction to GIS by Rodney Clayton - TCC
3.2. Identify various types of maps and components. Basic Mapping activity - go to the following
web site http://www.msnucleus.org/membership/html/jh/earth/mapstype/index.html and read the
exercises then complete the lessons
3.2.1. Lesson 1 What is a map
3.2.2. Lesson 2 Different types of Maps Lab (optional)
3.2.3. Lesson 4 Topographic Map Lab (optional)
3.2.4. Lesson 5 Geographic Information System
3.3. JMU Geospatial Semester - http://www.isat.jmu.edu/geospatialsemester/activities.html
3.3.1. Online mapping – Complete the online mapping assignments – Online Mapping
3.3.2. Compete the Thinking Spatially Activity This is a reading and Mapping activity
3.4. Show video overview of ArcGIS Online.
3.4.1. ESRI CEO discusses the New ArcGIS. Com and its implications for the future. video
3.4.2. ArcGIS.com: Sign-up for an ArcGIS Online account. Video
3.4.3. Preview ArcGIS online Gallery, and then view in ArcGIS Explorer Online. State of Utah,
3.4.4. Watch video on esri Community Basemaps video (4 minutes) Discussion on the importance
of community basemaps
3.5. Log in to ESRI and complete the ArcGIS Explorer Quick Start Tutorial click on view
presentation, you will need to have your head set on and volume not muted (50 minute)
3.6. (Optional) Students will complete ESRI online “Getting Started with GIS” Log in using your
ESRI Global account you created earlier. (approximately 9 hours of instruction)
3.7. Google Earth Activities
3.7.1. Present the Google Earth PowerPoint
3.7.2. Watch the beginners tutorial online at Google earth
3.7.2.1.
Street View
3.7.2.2.
3d Trees
3.7.2.3.
Historical Imagery
3.7.2.4.
Navigation
3.7.2.5.
Searching for Places
3.7.2.6.
Drawing and Measuring
3.7.2.7.
Place marks and Tours
3.7.3. Watch the tutorial on Moon in Google Earth. Explore one of the lunar landings and model
one of the spacecrafts found. http://www.google.com/earth/learn/beginner.html#moon-ingoogle-earth
3.7.4. Watch the Advanced Tutorial on Recording a Tour. Create your own tour and present to
your classmates.
3.7.5. Watch the Advanced Tutorial on Importing KML, KMZ and GPS Data. Download your
GPS data in to your computer and view in Google Earth.
3.7.6. Watch the Advance Tutorial on Introduction to Google Building Maker. Create a building
and submit for Google Earth consideration. You may also use SketchUp and your own
digital photos for this activity.
3.7.7. Watch and discuss video (5.5 minutes) on climate change at Google Earth
http://www.google.com/landing/cop15/
3.7.8. Watch and discuss video on Google’s Tour of the Oceans. National Geographic ocean
explorer, Sylvia Earle, narrates a highlight tour through some of the best photos and videos
in the 'Explore the Ocean' layer in Google Earth.
3.8. Model a GIS related piece of equipment using your 3ds max software – See GIS Speed Test
4. Week 4 – GIS Activity – Remote Sensing, Learning Pathways, Careers and Summary–
Geospatial Portal - http://www.vccsgis.org/?q=careers
4.1. Remote Sensing (RS) Activity
4.1.1. Present Remote Sensing PowerPoint (online) presentation. (also see CD)
4.1.2. Remote Sensing Image Interpretation – use Image Interpretation Cape Henry bookmark –
Assignment #4.1.1
4.1.3. Download remote sensing imagery using GLOVIS use http://glovis.usgs.gov
4.1.4. Download MARS Explorer 6.1 http://www.merrick.com/index.php/geospatial/services-gss/marssoftware – Look at LIDAR data of Denver mile high stadium – Assignment #4.1.3
4.2. Learning Pathways and Careers
4.2.1. What is GIS – A rapidly growing Career Field (1 minute video)
4.2.2. Central Piedmont Community College and HS Dual Enrollment Program (1 minute video)
4.2.3. ATETV Episode # 5 Process Tech; GIS Internships (8 minute video)
4.2.4. TCC Geographic Information Systems Career Studies Certificate – Discuss the required
courses to be taken. http://www.tcc.edu/academics/programs/ot/bt/GIS.htm
4.2.5. Review Geospatial competencies http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/pyramid.aspx?GEO=Y
4.3. Careers
4.3.1. Show video – Central Piedmont Community College (dual enrollment) - Introducing High
Schools Students to Geospatial Technologies. 1.5 minute video
4.3.1.1.
Central Piedmont Community College Testimonials
http://www.cpcc.edu/et/academic-programs/geographic-information-systemstechnology/testimonials.wmv
4.3.1.1.1.
Use guest speaker note sheet and list what you learned from this (16
minute) testimonial video.
4.3.1.2.
Read Information sheet on Jobs overview and schooling - select a job in the GIS
area and use online resources to find the following: schooling requirement, job
physical requirements, job outlook, salary range
4.3.2. Students will Pair, share and present PowerPoint presentation on career area.
http://www.geospatialcareers.net/links.html#_GIS_Careers
4.3.3. Learn about Opportunities in your field – Discuss the work environment, benefits of
various GIS Careers
4.3.4. Read the Career profile and discuss your understanding with your partner.
4.3.5. Write a 500 word essay on “Why GIS Skills would be Valuable to Have for Careers in
Various Industries” using the format here.
4.4. At the conclusions of lessons, administer the Pre/Post Test.
Resources:
GIS – VCCS Geospatial Portal
• Textbook - GIS Tutorial Updated for ArcGIS 9.3 Workbook for ArcView 9, third edition by Wilpen L.
Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland; ISBN: 978-1-58948-205-0
• Topographic Maps; NWI Maps; Soil Surveys; Aerial Photographs; and
GIS Resources - http://www.deq.state.va.us/export/sites/default/wetlands/pdf/toolsvoluntaryrestoration.pdf
• Excellent compilation of resources - Virginia Department of Education CTE Geospatial Technologies http://www.cteresource.org/featured/geospatial.html
• Mapping Introduction Homepage Jacksonville State
• GeoCommunity Web page - Looking for a job in GIS? Explore your options here
• Jacksonville State University GIS Web page
• United States Geological Survey
• National Geospace Intelligence Agency
• Important GIS Links
• Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) - See New Orleans before and after Multimedia animations
• Virginia Geospatial Extension Program website
• ESRI Free Data – Census 2000 TIGER/Line Data - Census 2000 Data
• US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Land Development Analysis
GPS
• Download free MN department of Natural Resources DNR Garmin extension for ArcView software
• Check out the fun stuff at Geocaching.com. Go on a GPS scavenger hunt
• Garmin eTrex Vista Owner’s Manual
• The Tech Museum - Review GPS satellite web site by Lockheed Martin
• Garmin GPS Beginner’s Guide - Review online Beginners guide to GPS
• Geographic Information Systems Career and Education Awareness Website
Remote Sensing
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Remote Sensing resources
60 Satellite images of Earth - Aerial imagery of geography land forms
USGS Earth Explorer allows you to type in an address to get aerial imagery of location
Real time Satellite tracking website
Landsat 5 Satellite - 25 year anniversary video
Careers
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GIS career awareness learning modules
GIS careers at job monkey website
GIS salaries list
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Careers website positions listed and Internships
Career Guru – GIS Jobs and Careers locally