GEOG 480 - Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
GEOG 480, Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications is an introductory level course focusing on the use of remotely sensed imagery and elevation data in GIS applications. Students enrolling in Geog 480 should have a solid conceptual foundation in geospatial information science and technology (equivalent to Geog 482 and Geog 483). Geog 480 is appropriate for those who are already working in the geospatial profession and wish to use imagery and elevation data in visualization and spatial analysis.
Objectives
Students who excel in this course will be able to:
- describe the basic principles of image and elevation data acquisition;
- summarize the basic operational characteristics of commercial imaging systems;
- critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of optical imaging instruments and platforms for a broad range of application scenarios;
- perform orthorectification of digital imagery;
- perform simple image enhancement, image interpretation, and automated analysis using digital optical imagery;
- perform simple terrain analysis using digital elevation/terrain models;
- describe the quantitative methods and industry standards for geometric accuracy assessment of imagery and elevation data products;
- describe the qualitative methods and industry standards for quality assurance and quality control of imagery and elevation data products;
- use acquired knowledge and critical thinking skills to create visualizations and perform analysis of imagery, elevation, and supplemental vector data in GIS.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Required Textbooks
Campbell, James B. 2011. Introduction to Remote Sensing, 6th edition. New York. The Guilford Press. ISBN 978-1462549405.
Maune, D. F. and Nayegandhi, A, ed. 2018. Digital Elevation Model Technologies and Applications: The DEM Users Manual, 3rd edition. Bethesda, MD. American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. ISBN 1-57083-102-5.
Parece, Tammy, McGee, John, Campbell, Jim 2019. Workbook: Remote Sensing with ArcGIS Pro. Virginia Tech. ISBN: 1797570986.
Required Software
- Administrator-level password for your computer
- ArcGIS Pro, Esri (free of charge for active students)
- 7-Zip (or similar)
- Screen Capture Utility
Prerequisites
GEOG 482 and GEOG 483 (or equivalent professional experience). It is expected that students are conversant in fundamental concepts of GIS and have hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro. The following bullets are examples of knowledge and skills you should have before starting this course.
- explain the concept of map scale
- explain the concept of a map projection
- describe the difference between a vector and a raster data set
- explain the difference between an Esri SHP file and a feature class
- explain the difference between a 2D and 3D SHP file or feature class
- manage GIS data files in the Esri interface
- access data management, data conversion, and data analysis tools in the Esri interface
- add a vector data layer to a project file
- add a raster data layer to a project file
- create a new SHP file or feature class
- edit a SHP file or feature class using the Editor toolbar
- change symbols for a SHP file or feature dataset using Symbology Properties
- view and edit the attribute table for a SHP file, feature class, or raster layer
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 12 – 15 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
Students earn grades that reflect the extent to which they achieve the learning objectives listed above. Opportunities to demonstrate learning include:
- Online quizzes (~22% of final grade)
- Lab activities (~75% of final grade)
- Graded Discussion (~3% of final grade)
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation |
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| 2 | Lesson 1: Introduction to Remote Sensing |
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| 3 | Lesson 2: Sensors, Platforms, and Georeferencing |
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| 4 | Lesson 3: Production of Digital Image Base Maps |
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| 5 | Lesson 4: Production of Digital Elevation Models |
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| 6 | Lesson 5: Management of Imagery and Elevation Data |
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| 7 | Lesson 6: Validation of Imagery and Elevation Data |
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| 8 | Lesson 7: Introduction to Image Interpretation and Analysis |
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| 9 | Lesson 8: Terrain Modeling and Analysis |
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| 10 | Final Wrap Up |
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