SIS 2 (GEOM1044/1163)

Geographic Information Systems Analysis


Semester 1, 2014; Lectures meet Monday 12:30-13:20 in 80.10.017; Thursday 14:30-16:30 in 08.11.061

Labs and tutorials meet Friday 14:30-17:30, in 08.09.048/049

This 2014 offering used the materials from the UWashington 2004 offering. Just this front page is kept here.

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Course Objectives

SIS2 covers the theory and application of computerized geographic information systems (GIS). It combines an overview of general principles of GIS and practical experience in the analytical use of spatial information. It is organized as a second course in GIS, therefore at a higher level. It can be taken as an introduction (a bit challenging one) or as a way to deepen already established understanding, or as a way to add GIS techniques to an existing environmental discipline. The lectures cover a comprehensive overview of the analytical treatment of geographic information, following the organization of a textbook written by the instructor. The practical component involves the use of an analytical software package, leading to a project experience. Lab exercises (pracs) are interspersed with discussion events (tutorials) to connect the practical material to broader practice. Web resources (on Blackboard) will provide lecture notes, exercise materials, discussion materials and sources for geographic information and analysis at RMIT and around the world.
 

Each student will be required to apply computer tools to an issue requiring spatial analysis, some of it outside of class hours. This course is designed for a broad range of students, but each student should have some exposure to the procedures used to make maps and some introduction to the use of spatial information. Students from the geospatial sciences should have SIS 1 (GIS Fundamentals) or its equivalent such as site analysis for landscape architects, or field courses in environmental sciences. A multi-disciplinary mix of students helps demonstrate the multi-disciplinary nature of GIS applications.

Organizing Scheme for the Class


The Learning Objectives and Social Contract


Text and Readings

The text for this course is Exploring Geographic Information Systems published by John Wiley written by the instructor (See current prices). Readings for discussions will be available on the Blackboard and through external links.

Course Bibliography

Disclaimer

This web resource is mounted for the use of SIS2. It is not designed to support distance learning, but to serve as an adjunct inside an existing course. All rights reserved, copyright (c) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2014 Nicholas Chrisman. Some of the exercise materials are also copyright (c) 2000 Eugene W. Martin, used with permission. Many elements of these pages appear in Exploring GIS, and are Copyright (c) 1997, 2001 John Wiley and Sons. Used in this site by permission.

A note about this web-site


Contact the instructor by email:

Nicholas R. Chrisman, Course Coordinator nicholas.chrisman@rmit.edu.au


Version of 7 March 2014; modified 17 April 2017 to note reference to 2004 version underneath here.