EARTH SC/ENVIR SC/GEOG 3GI3

Advanced Raster GIS

Calendar Description

Advanced treatment of geographic information systems (GIS) focusing on raster data models and techniques. Real-world problem solving emphasizes site selection and environmental applications. Topics include multi-criteria evaluation, terrain mapping and analysis, 3D visualization, spatial interpolation and watershed analysis.

Two lectures, one lab (two hours); one term
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in one of EARTH SC 2GI3, ENVIR SC 2GI3, GEOG 2GI3
 
Cross-List(s): EARTH SC 3GI3, ENVIR SC 3GI3, GEOG 3GI3

 

Time/Term Offered: Term Two Winter 2012-13

Instructor: Patrick DeLuca
Room: Burke Science Building Rm. 342/B
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x27786
Email: delucapf@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: T 10:30 – 12:30, R 10:30 – 12:30

Teaching Assistant:

Matthew Adams Email: adamsmd@mcmaster.ca
Ron Dalumpines Email: dalumprf@mcmaster.ca

Course Outline Avenue to Learn

Introduction:

Unique opportunities for advanced spatial analysis have evolved alongside innovations in computer science and the increased availability of detailed spatial information. This course builds upon the topics discussed in GEOG 2GI3 and is focused on exploring connections between the acquisition, processing and analysis of spatial information as a means for more clearly understanding the properties and processes that characterize physical and human systems. The major theme in the course is that of modeling with the raster data model in a GIS environment. Realworld problem solving emphasizes site selection and environmental applications. Topics include multi‐criteria evaluation, terrain mapping and analysis, 3D visualization, spatial interpolation and watershed delineation. Lectures will be supplemented with practical exercises using ESRI’s ArcGIS 10.1 software suite and students.

Lecture/Labs:

Please consult table below for lecture and lab locations and times. Attendance in both is mandatory and the TA
will take attendance each week in the lab.

Category Location Day Time
Lecture BSB 106 Tuesday 16:30 – 17:20
Lecture BSB 106 Thursday 16:30 – 17:20
Lab (01) BSB 331 Tuesday 14:30 – 16:20
Lab (02) BSB 331 Tuesday 12:30 – 14:20
Lab (03) BSB 331 Monday 14:30 – 16:20
Lab (04) BSB 331 Thursday 09:30 – 11:20

Required Text Books/Course materials:

The required text for the course is:
Chang, K‐T. (2012) Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 6th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill. ISBN
9780073369310

You are expected to consult the above text for treatments of GIS principles, techniques and applications covered in
class. The schedule of readings is included in the Course Schedule. To make the most of your experience, you
should read this material prior to coming to class.

A second textbook is highly recommended:
Allen, DW (2011) Getting to Know ArcGIS ModelBuilder, Redlands CA: Esri Press.

This text relates directly to material in the first module of the course, but will act as a resource for you for all of the
assignments since all of them require the use of the ModelBuilder. Additionally, the sections not used in this
course will be used in 3GV3 in future years.

Avenue to Learn
A website has been developed for this course using the course management tool Avenue. All fully registered
students are automatically enrolled in the website, which can be accessed at the following web address:
http://avenue.mcmaster.ca
If at any time students do not appear to be officially registered they will be denied access to the course content as
well as access to the GIS Labs.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated for their understanding of both conceptual and practical material offered in the course.
There is an individual and a group component to the class. Individually, students will complete 4 exercises; there
will be a midterm exam on March 4 and a cumulative final exam written in the exam period in April. There is also a
group project, which runs the duration of the term. The mark allocations are as follows:

25% Term Project
30% Laboratory Assignments (4@7.5%)
15% Mid‐Term Exam (March 4, at 4:30PM in BSB 106)
30% Final Exam (to be scheduled by the Registrar’s Office)

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

  • Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

  • Improper collaboration in group work.

  • Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.