ES 551 Syllabus

ES 551 XA/ZA
Computer Mapping
Systems

Theory and use of computer systems for capture, storage, transformation, analysis, and plotting of geospatial information. Vector and raster geographic information systems, digital data, and spatial analysis. Practical applications of computer mapping systems.

Instructor: Prof. James S. Aber. E-mail: jaber@emporia.edu
Prerequisites: EB/ES 351 Introduction to Geospatial Analysis, or GE 371 Cartography, or consent of instructor; minimum math background MA 112 (trig).
Textbook: Getting started with geographic information systems (4^th ed.) by Clarke (2003).
On-line lectures will be presented in the form of webpages developed by the course instructor.
Web lectures are provided by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis--see NCGIA. These lectures are crosslinked to the Geographer's Craft at the University of Colorado (Boulder).

Hardware: Students should have a late-model PC with large hard drive, high-resolution monitor (at least 1024), and fast Internet connection (e-mail, Web, and FTP). A recent version of Windows is the recommended operating system. A color printer is useful, but not required, and a scanner is optional.
Software: Idrisi Andes is the primary GIS software utilized for this course. All distance-learning students must have access to the software--order the student-starter license for $95 from Clark Labs.
Notes: Idrisi is designed for IBM-compatible computers; its does not run on Macs. More expensive software and hardware are not required for this course.

This course serves as an overview and introduction to the techniques and applications of geographic information systems, which encompass computer cartography, remote sensing, global positioning, and related technologies. These techniques are increasingly important for understanding all manner of physical, biological, and cultural phenomena. GIS has become the "working method" in most governmental agencies and private companies that deal with any aspect of mapping, management or analysis of natural and human resources.

Course Availability

This course will be taught online in spring semester, 2008. The course is designed primarily for distance-learning students who should enroll through Lifelong Learning. Section XA is for graduate students; ZA is for undergraduates. On-campus students may enroll through normal procedures for ES 551. In order to receive university credit, students must be officially enrolled and must be in contact with the instructor for course materials and directions. Note: this course is not recommended for the BIS program.

Course Procedures

Course schedule	Weekly announcements
Course requirements	Title historical map

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This course is offered by the Earth Science department; it is presented for the express use and benefit of students enrolled at Emporia State University. Anyone else may view and enjoy the information here. All course curriculum © by the author, 2007.

Send comments about the course webpages to J.S. Aber: jaber@emporia.edu.
Last update: Sept. 2007.