CLASS ORGANIZATION

This class will be partly lecture and seminar discussions focussed on the application of GIS technologies in the urban realm. Hands-on laboratory exercises  with examples of GIS applications in Southern California will supplement the lectures and discussions. These exercises will include tutorial-style learning modules as well as self-guided explorations.

In terms of the "learning objectives" of the class, by the end of the semester you should:
 

• Understand Principles of GIS use in the Urban Setting -- including research, public policy, business, development and planning applications.
• Understand the Data requirements and Quality issues of Urban GISystems.
• Appreciate the Social, Economic and Ethical  Issues of using Spatial Data.
• Develop skills with Urban Data Analysis, Data Visualization and Data Management.
• Apply GIS to modeling and simulation of Urban problems.
• Become aware of data and research materials available over the Internet.
• Be prepared to organize and implement a simple GIS project.
• Develp skills in oral and written presentation of GIS analyses.

REQUIRED TEXT:

GRADING

• Complete all Laboratory Exercises Assigned  from the textbook/dataCD:  40%
• Completion of the following Performance Exercises which will test your ability to solve GIS problems using skills acquired from textbook exercises and applied to new situations.

• Census Demographics -- Mapping and Analysis 10%
•  Modeling GeoProcesses -- 10%

• Complete a Take-Home Examination covering general principles and practices of Urban GIS: 20%.
• A Final Project of your own design which both demonstrates your mastery of Urban GIS principles and  benefits our local community (Service Learning).  The final product will be a 15-min presentation of your problem, methodology and results illustrated via POSTER-format. Completion and Public Presentation of the project will count for 20% of your semester grade.