GEOG 484 - GIS Database Development
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
In GEOG 484, students will learn to integrate geographic data compiled from various sources. The course consists of software-based projects and explanations and discussions of concepts having to do with how GIS software can be used to integrate geographic data compiled from various sources. Students who successfully complete the course are able to specify and perform the tasks involved in creating a digital geographic database, including georeferencing scanned base maps, digitizing vector features, entering attribute data, and compiling metadata. Geography 484 requires use of Esri's ArcGIS software. GEOG 484 is the third in a series of four courses that leads to Penn State's Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and can be applied toward the Penn State Master of Geographic Information Systems degree. It is a "paced" course, which means that there is an established start and end date and that you will interact with other students throughout the course.
Objectives
At the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- carry out steps necessary to georeference an image to match a projected layer and georeference an image using explicit XY coordinates (e.g., collected by a GPS unit);
- employ various techniques to create vector data, raster data, and attribute data. Techniques include digitizing, vectorization, and geodatabase behavior constructs;
- apply techniques and best practices to prevent, find, and correct errors in spatial and attribute data;
- demonstrate an understanding of the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL);
- design and implement a relational database based on basic design tenets, familiarity with the attribute data, and premeditating queries that will be posed.
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.
ArcGIS (free to current Penn State students)
Prerequisites
GEOG 483 or equivalent experience.
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 classwork.
Major Assignments
Students earn grades that reflect the extent to which they achieve the learning objectives listed above. Opportunities to demonstrate learning include the following, and grades will be based on points assigned to each of several components of the course as follows:
- Homework: ArcGIS Pro Software Status - 1% of course grade.
- Homework: 6 Lessons and Associated Quizzes - 70% of course grade.
- Homework: Final Project - 29% of course grade.
The final project will be submitted in stages over the seventh through the tenth weeks of the course. This will be completed in teams of approximately three individuals, or individually. You will find this project to be the most challenging component of the course. The most effective way to ensure success on the final project is to complete preceding projects and quizzes. The final project consists of three intermediate deliverables and a final report that all require collaboration among assigned team members.
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Course Orientation & Installing current ArcGIS Software |
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| 1 | Lesson 1: Georeferencing Raster Images |
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| 2 | Lesson 2: Data Input |
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| 3 | Lesson 3: Data Checks & Corrections |
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| 4 | Lesson 4: Appending, Edgematching and Metadata |
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| 5 | Lesson 5: Geospatial Database Design (Week 1) - Database Design |
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| 6 | Lesson 6: Geospatial Database Design (Week 2) - Modelbuilder |
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| 7 | Collaborative Final Project: Reconstructing 1920 Charlottesville, Virginia |
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| 8 | Collaborative Final Project: Reconstructing 1920 Charlottesville, Virginia |
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| 9 | Collaborative Final Project: Reconstructing 1920 Charlottesville, Virginia |
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| 10 | Collaborative Final Project: Reconstructing 1920 Charlottesville, Virginia |
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