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Course Syllabus

GEO 1700 Fundamentals of GPS and GIS Navigation

  • Division: Natural Science and Math
  • Department: Geology
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Corequisites: None
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
  • End Semester: Fall 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 30

Course Description

This course introduces fundamental navigation skills using handheld GPS units, compasses, and map reading skills. The class will also cover how to transfer and manipulate data onto basic GIS software to create usable maps.

Justification

This course will serve as an introductory course to the GIS certificate at Snow College. Many students take GEO 1800 without having any experience using GPS units or map reading. This course will teach basic navigational concepts so that students can focus on learning how to use the GIS software better in future classes.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand basic concepts of map reading, navigation, compasses, and GIS and how they are used for decision making.
  2. Collect geo-spatial data.
  3. Work with a GIS map to find features of interest, analyze patterns, and derive useful information.
  4. Classify, symbolize, and label map features to support data visualization and interpretation.
  5. Create and edit geographic data to accurately represent real-world objects.
  6. Perform spatial analysis using queries, geoprocessing tools, and models.
  7. Design high-quality maps and reports to share analysis results with others.
  8. Explore careers in the geo-spatial industry.
  9. Create a geo-spatial project.

Course Content

Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with exposure to thefollowing concepts and learning experiences:-Paper and digital maps and how to read and understand them.-Compass and GPS skills and using them to navigate with topographic maps-Collect, record, and manipulate data on a GPS devise and on GIS software.-Complete a project using local data to create a useful map.This course addresses a variety of issues in multiple ways. The course is designed to accommodate for traditional students in the classroom or online. Other sections are also designed for non-traditional students and allows them to work at their own pace while working full time. It also allows students with all ranges of computer and GIS skills to complete the course. Those with limited to no knowledge can go slow and methodical, using extra practice material and re-watching short lectures on specific topics, or speed through the material and complete the required assignments and tests. In addition, the equipment required for this course costs between $300-$400, which could limit opportunities for low-income students. This equipment is loaned out to all enrolled students free of charge.