GEOG 3160: Introduction to GIS Modeling
Winter
term, 2001 -- Thursdays 6:00pm - 8:50pm
Instructor: Joseph K. Berry, Room 108 Boettcher West, campus phone 871-7531
On-Campus email: jkberry@du.edu
Off-campus email: jberry@innovativegis.com;
Off-campus website: http://www.innovativegis.com/basis
Office
hours: Open door on campus, 10:00-12:00am, Fridays
By appointment on campus, 1:00-5:00pm, Fridays
By phone off-campus, 970-215-0825, business
hours Monday-Wednesday
By email, anytime
Required
and Optional materials:
ü
MapCalc Learner CD including MapCalc and Surfer tutorial software (provided by instructor).
ü
Online
course materials including lecture notes, exercises and readings at…
http://dev.pacificmeridian.com/basis/GMcourse_01/Default.htm.
ü
Optional
hardcopy versions of texts: Joseph K. Berry, 1993, Beyond Mapping
(Wiley) and Joseph K. Berry, 1995, Spatial Reasoning (Wiley) can be
ordered at…
http://catalog2.wiley.com/catalog/frameset/1,1783,,00.html
(select “Search” and enter “Berry” as the author).
A hardcopy version of Joseph
K. Berry, Map Analysis (in preparation) is available for photocopy.
Course
Description:
Most traditional applications of GIS technology
focus on mapping and management aspects of spatial databases to automate
existing business processes. Spatial
reasoning skills beyond manual map processing references provide opportunities
to address complex spatial issues in entirely new ways. GIS professionals need an understanding of
spatial analysis capabilities and modeling techniques to fully capitalize on
the tremendous investments made in GIS databases.
This course focuses on the concepts and procedures
used in discovering and applying relationships within and among maps. It extends the mapping and geo-query
capabilities of GIS to map analysis and construction of spatial models. The course establishes a comprehensive
framework that addresses a wide range of applications from natural resources to
retail marketing. Topics include the
nature of spatial data, introduction to spatial statistics, and surface
modeling in the first five weeks followed by spatial analysis operations and
modeling techniques in the second five weeks.
The lectures, discussions and independent exercises provide a foundation
for creative application of GIS technology in spatial reasoning and
decision-making.
Course
Objectives:
Students will develop spatial reasoning skills
necessary in flowcharting and implementing GIS solutions. Understanding grid-based analytical
operations and fundamental approaches used in descriptive, predictive and
prescriptive mapping extends existing courses in data encoding, management and
software usage. Students who are most
successful in this course will be able to demonstrate:
ü
an
understanding of the differences between data processing in discrete and
continuous space
ü
an
awareness of spatial dependency within and among mapped data and its effect on
map analysis
ü
a
working knowledge of basic spatial interpolation and statistics procedures
ü
a
working knowledge of grid-based spatial analysis operations to include visual
analysis, effective distance, optimal path density, terrain analysis,
contextual summaries and edge/shape/pattern characterization, and
ü
an
ability to flowchart and implement GIS models.
Prerequisites:
An introductory course in GIS, or instructor
permission is required for enrollment.
Familiarity with basic statistical concepts is recommended.
Course
Format:
The class meets once a week for three hours. Class meetings involve lecture, discussion
and real-time demonstrations of concepts in spatial statistics, spatial
analysis and GIS modeling using MapCalc and Surfer software. Students will complete homework exercises
(approximately four hours per week) outside of class using lab facilities or
software installed on student's personal computer. The operations used in the exercises are cross-referenced to the
ArcInfo Grid and A5rc View Spatial Analyst commercial systems. Students are expected to remain current on
reading assignments (approximately two hours per week) and be prepared to
contribute to class discussions.
Method
of Evaluation:
Grades for the course will be determined as follows:
Attendance
and Participation (10 classes worth 10 points each) |
100 |
Homework
Exercises (9 assignments worth 50 points each) |
450 |
Midterm
Exam (week 5) |
100 |
Final
Exam |
200 |
Total Points |
850 |
Points earned are cumulative and translate into a
letter grade according to the following scale:
A
93-100%, A- 90-92%, B+ 87-89%, B 83-86%, B- 80-82%, C+ 77-79%, C 73-76%, C-
70-72%,
D+
67-69%, D 63-66%, D- 60-62%, F 0-59%
Policies
and Expectations:
Students are expected to attend class
regularly. Class lectures, discussion
and demonstrations are an important part of the course that is difficult to
reconstruct. Excused absences include
illness, death in the family or participation in a DU sanctioned event (note:
club sports and activities are not official DU events and doctor appoints
should not be scheduled during class time).
If you must miss class, please notify me prior to the class meeting so
we can make arrangements for make up of the material missed.
Students may review their current grade at anytime
during office hours. Late homework
assignments receive a maximum possible of 15 points (40% penalty) if turned in
prior to the next class meeting and will not be accepted (0 points) if more
than one week late. There are no
make-up exams excepted for excused absences with prior notification (see
above).
Topics
and Schedule:
GEOG 3160 GIS
Modeling --
Syllabus |
|||
Week |
Topic |
Exercise |
Reading* |
1 Jan 4 |
Maps as Data: GIS mapping, management and modeling; Discrete (map objects) vs. continuous (map surfaces); Linking data and geographic distributions; Framework for map-ematical processing |
#1- Dissecting a suitability model (MapCalc) |
BM- Intro, T#1, Epilog SR- T#6 |
2 Jan 11 |
Spatial Analysis Operations: Map data types and their implications;
Contouring implications; Characterizing size, shape, pattern and arrangement |
#2- Examples of spatial analysis (MapCalc) |
SR- T#7 MA- T#9 |
3 Jan 18 |
Reclassifying and Overlaying Data Layers: Point, region and map-wide overlay; Grid math; Spatial coincidence statistics; Comparing maps; Error propagation |
#3- Reclassifying and Overlaying maps (MapCalc) |
BM- T#6, T#7 SR- T#4 |
4 Jan 25 |
Measuring Distance and Connectivity: Simple vs. weighted distance; Proximity and movement; Accumulation surfaces; Identifying optimal path(s); Viewsheds and visual exposure surfaces; Narrowness surfaces |
#4- Distance and connectivity (MapCalc) |
BM- T#2 MA- T#5, T#6, T#13, T#14, T#15 |
5 Feb 1 |
Summarizing Spatial Context: calculating slope, aspect and profile maps; Applying spatial differentiation and integration; "Roving window" summary operations; Characterizing edges and complexity *** EXAM1 -- covers week 1-4 material *** |
#5- Neighborhood analysis (MapCalc) |
BM- T#3, T#5, T#9 |
6 Feb 8 |
GIS Modeling Procedures: Deductive vs. inductive reasoning; Flowcharting spatial problems |
#6- Implementing a suitability model (MapCalc) |
BM- T#10 SR- T#1, T#5, T#8 MA- T#1, T#4, T#11 |
7 Feb 15 |
Surface Modeling: Spatial dependency, autocorrelation and variogram; Spatial interpolation (IDW, Kriging and MinCurve); Assessing interpolation results |
#7- Spatial interpolation (Surfer) |
BM- T#4 SR- T#2 MA- T#2 |
8 Feb 22 |
Spatial Statistics (Descriptive): Sampling design; Basic statistics and its GIS expression; Normalizing maps; Generating a standard normal variable map; Mapping spatial dependency |
#8- Basic spatial statistics (Surfer) |
MA- T#3, T#7 |
9 Mar 1 |
Spatial Statistics (Predictive): Linking numeric and geographic patterns; Viewing scatterplots; Clustering mapped data; Investigating map correlation; Developing prediction models; Assessing prediction results |
#9- More on spatial statistics (Surfer, MapCalc and Excel) |
SR- T#10 MA- T#8, T#10, T#16 |
10 Mar 8 |
Future Directions: Dynamic map pedigree; Toward a humane GIS; GIS software's changing roles; Evolving the GIS mindset; Is technology ahead of science? |
None |
BM- T#8 SR- Intro, T#3, T#9, Epilog MA- Intro, Epilog, T#12 |
|
*** FINAL -- covers weeks 1-10 material *** |
|
|
*The
readings are from books the instructor has written--
It
is intended to include all of the readings and other course materials on a CD
for electronic viewing. Hardcopy
versions of the BM and SR texts can be ordered at http://catalog2.wiley.com/catalog/frameset/1,1783,,00.html
(select search and enter Berry as the author).
Hard copy version of MA is available in photocopy form. Multiple copies of all reference materials
will be available for checkout with the Geography Department. The following is a list of the titles for
the assigned reading topics:
BM Intro - An Overview of Basic GIS Terminology and Organizational Structure
Topic #1 - Maps As Data and Data Structure Implications
Topic #2 - Measuring Effective Distance and Connectivity
Topic #3 - Roving Windows: Assessment of Neighborhood Characteristics
Topic #4 - What GIS Is (And Isn't): Spatial Data Mapping, Management, Modeling and More
Topic #5 - Assessing Variability, Shape and Pattern of Map Features
Topic #6 - Overlaying Maps and Characterizing Error Propagation
Topic #7 - Overlaying Maps and Summarizing the Results
Topic #8 - Scoping GIS: What to Consider
Topic #9 - Slope, Distance and Connectivity: Their Algorithms
Topic #10 - Cartographic and Spatial Modeling
BM Epilog - From Where is What, to So What: A Brief History and Probable Future of GIS Technology
SR Intro - Where Is GIS: Driving Forces, Trends and Forecasts
Topic #1 - Understanding GIS: High Technology for Mid-Level Management
Topic #2 - From Field Samples to Mapped Data: Assessing Geographic Distributions
Topic #3 - Implementing GIS: Considerations, Contingencies and Confusion
Topic #4 - Toward An Honest GIS: Practical Approaches to Mapping Uncertainty
Topic #5 - A Framework for Map Analysis: Essential Concepts and Practical Expressions
Topic #6 - Alternative Data Structures: Options Beyond Raster and Vector
Topic #7 - Organizing the Map Analysis Toolbox: Fundamental Components and Considerations
Topic #8 - The Anatomy of a GIS Model: Some Case Studies
Topic #9 - Putting GIS in the Hands of People: Considerations and Components of a Field Unit
Topic #10 - A Futuristic GIS: Some Examples of Advanced Analytical Procedures
SR Epilog - GIS's Wildcard: The Human Factor in GIS Technology
MA Intro-- GIS Software’s Changing Roles
Topic #1 - Object-Oriented Technology and Its GIS Expressions
Topic #2 - Assessing
Interpolation Results through Residual Analysis
Topic #3 - Considerations in Sampling
Design
Topic #4 - Where Is GIS Education?
Topic #5 - Analyzing Accumulation Surfaces
Topic #6 - Analyzing In-Store Shopping Patterns
Topic #7 - Linking Data Space and Geographic Space
Topic #8 - Investigating Spatial Dependency
Topic #9 - Analyzing Landscape Patterns
Topic #10 - Applying
Data Mining Techniques to Map Analysis
Topic #11 - Characterizing Micro-Terrain Features
Topic #12 - Landscape Visualization
Topic #13 - Creating Variable-Width Buffers
Topic #14 - Deriving and Using Travel-Time Maps
Topic #15 - Deriving and Using Visual Exposure Maps
Topic #16 - Characterizing Data Patterns and Relationships
MA Epilog- Technical and Cultural Shifts in the GIS Paradigm