CP6521 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Course Description

This course follows directly from Introduction to GIS, which is a required prerequisite. Advanced GIS emphasizes advanced GIS skills in a UNIX graphic workstation environment. It utilizes ARC/INFO GIS software running on Sun Sparcstations in order to illustrate and demonstrate the basic concepts covered throughout the course. These concepts are applicable to almost any advanced GIS software package.

Building upon the basic knowledge covered in Introduction to GIS, this course addresses the UNIX GIS environment. It begins with a brief introduction to UNIX and the Sun Open Look graphical user interface. Next topological data procedures and relational database concepts are covered, followed by a discussion of map projections, coordinate systems, and transformations. Then fundamental algorithms for a variety of typical GIS operations are introduced, such as line intersection, polygon area calculation, polygon overlay, and point-in-polygon operations. Next, several specialized topics are considered, including accuracy issues, weighted address matching, triangulated irregular networks, and network analysis. Finally, raster analysis techniques are considered, including the conversion of vector spatial data to raster data, and vice versa.

Mode

The course is primarily lecture, with about one half of the classes including directed, interactive, hands-on working sessions, labs.

Grading

Grades are based upon a midterm exam and an advanced GIS analysis application, with a custom AML, ArcView, or Avenue front-end.

Texts

The main textbooks are Heslop and Angell's Mastering SunOS, and ESRI's Understanding GIS, The ARC/INFO Method.

Lecture Schedule