Learning Module: Introduction to GIS

Purpose

This module reviews what GIS is and gets the students up and running making maps in the HSU labs.

Prerequisites

Before taking GSP 270, you'll need to be familiar with the concepts below. If you're not, you'll want to review this material.

• Spherical (geographic) Coordinates
  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Reporting Geographic Coordinates
  • Spherical Coordinate Video (MP4)
• Ellipsoids
  • The Earth is Not a Sphere!
  • Standard Ellipsoids
• Datums
  • Datums Defined
  • Common U.S. Datums
  • Local vs. Earth-Centered Datums
  • Datum Shifts

Learning Outcomes

• Create simple maps in ArcGIS
• Access the HSU computers and network
• Articulate what a GIS is

Reading (optional, these have been replaced by online content)

• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 1
  • Don't worry about the details on the "GIS Software packages"
• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 2
  • Skip "Triangulated Irregular Networks"
  • Skip "Data and File Formats" except for "Common Formats" and the table at the end of the chapter.

Presentations

• Introduction
• What is a GIS?

Activities

Make sure you can log into one of the computers in one of the HSU geospatial labs (FR 203, FR 204, or Sci364a). Check that you can open ArcGIS and save something to your "U" drive.

You'll also want to obtain a USB "stick" (thumb drive) and either an external hard disk or another computer to backup your work at home.

Checkout these fun GIS web sites:

• National Geographic's Maps

Lab

• Creating your own island!

Additional Information:

• Notes for Lab Instructors
• SA Lab Information