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- 2011-2012: Catalog [ PDF / 1.53 MB ]
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Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year
Course Descriptions
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
GIS 109: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Introduces GIS software and hardware systems, including operating systems, screens, functions, file types, file management, movement of data from databases and spreadsheets into GIS, and survey of security systems and issues. Mapping concepts and the use of GPS will also be discussed.
GIS 110: Principles of Cartography
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Teaches the basics of analog and digital cartography (map-making). Students will be exposed to the different types of maps, scales, symbols and projections. They will learn how cartography and geographic information systems interact.
GIS 111: Introduction to Remote Sensing
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Introduces basic remote sensing, aerial photograph interpretation, satellite image processing and cartographic concepts. Students will learn the basic techniques of remote sensing and integration of remote sensing into a GIS database.
GIS 112: Introduction to ArcInfo
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Introduces automating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatial data in a digital form using the ArcInfo software program. Explores aspects of GIS, including geography, cartography, topology, database design, spatial analysis and report preparation. Students will become familiar with command language of the Arc, Arcedit, ArcPlot and INFO submodules of the ArcInfo software.
GIS 170: GIS Applications on Conservation Issues
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Introduces the use of GIS in analysis of spatial relationships between wildlife and land use issues. Topics will include mining activities over a region, watershed analysis, and timber harvesting strategies. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GIS 171: GIS Applications in Urban & Regional Planning
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Explores the application of GIS in urban and regional planning processes, spatial analysis techniques for site feasibility and evaluation of planning strategies in developing a final conceptual plan. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GIS 172: Current Trends in GIS
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Offers workshops with topics that continually change. Applications can vary from assessment with GIS to medical and emergency response. Topics may also include new technology in GIS. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GIS 205: GIS Applications
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Provides an exposure to ArcView GIS software. Students will become familiar with all aspects of this software program and its use in GIS. Students will also create a database and complete a small GIS project.
GIS 212: Intermediate ArcInfo
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Offers students exposure to and experience with macro designs, the Arc Macro language, managing tabular data, relating tables together, use of cursors, and knowledge of various ArcInfo modules. Students will complete a class project using ArcInfo.
GIS 235: Spatial Analysis in GIS
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Explores use of Spatial Analysis in raster and vector type data sets. Also introduces how to functionally create, run, and edit spatial models. Emphasizes problems that are best solved in raster and vector environments such as surface analysis and distance measurements.
GIS 250: GIS Database
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Learn how to create, use, edit, and manage spatial and attribute data stored in a geodatabase. Lectures and hands-on will emphasize loading data into the geodatabase, defining domains, subtypes, and relationship classes. Students will also become familiar with creating and working with networks.
GIS 270: GIS Extensions
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Introduces students to the many possible applications of extensions in ArcView. Extensions are used to analyze specific types of data related to specific GIS issues. Students will learn how to manipulate databases and load coverages into ArcView files for spatial analysis of various geographic data.
GIS 280: Internship in GIS
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: completion of two semesters of GIS program course work
Offers the opportunity to explore the fast growing, specialty field of GIS while receiving academic units and valuable work experience. Students work in offices: federal, state, local government, private firms, conservation groups and other organizations where GIS experience is valuable and opportunity is available. Students develop communication skills by interacting with a variety of professionals, and learn cooperative problem solving.
GIS 290: GIS Careers / Portfolio
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: completion of the GIS program curriculum
Explores information on where to look for employment in GIS. Students will explore different types of GIS jobs available and how GIS is being used in applications ranging from transportation planning, utility planning, urban growth management, market analysis, retail site location, business logistics, health care planning, facilities management, landscape architecture, environmental analysis, natural resource management, hazards mitigation, hazards response, and software companies. Students will also create a series of GIS projects to demonstrate their command of GIS and its application.