GIS 230 — Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 4 Credits
Students will build an understanding of the fundamentals of a GIS through lecture, readings and computer activities. Students will learn to use a specific GIS software system, ArcGIS, to use a GPS receiver and to integrate data from GPS to GIS software, and to define and complete a GIS project using existing data. This computer-intensive course includes a detailed discussion and related computer activities on the following topic s: basic geography and map concepts, what a GIS is, data sources, data quality, databases, data classification, vector and raster data, spatial analysis, project management, cartographic communication, metadata, projections, datum, coordinates, and ethics. (3 lec, 1 lab)