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Ever-rising numbers of people and their impact on the Earth's finite resources could lead to disaster, not only for wildlife and ecosystems but also for human populations. As researchers gather and publish more data, GIS becomes vital in geographically revealing the inter-relationships between human actions and environmental degradation. Much of what threatens the earth and its inhabitants is placed-based. Solutions require tools to help visualize these places and prescribe solutions. This is what GIS is about. Built on digital mapping, geography, databases, spatial analysis and cartography, GIS works as a system to enable people to better work together using the best information possible. For these reasons, some level of competency is often expected for entry into many graduate programs and jobs, particularly in natural resources, planning and policy and human studies. The flow of this course has two tracts, technical and applied. The course begins with training in the basics of the technology. Then, skills are applied to projects that address real-world issues. Project work composes the majority of course work and each student has the opportunity to develop their own project. Because GIS provides tools to help address many kinds of issues, GIS lends itself well to the theory of thinking globally and acting locally. Projects often utilize the extensive data library for the Acadia region developed by students since the lab was founded in 1988. The GIS Lab acts as a service provider to outside organizations and students can tap into the resources of a broad network of groups and individuals working towards a more sustainable future. Course evaluations are partially based on the on-time completion of exercises and problem sets. Most of the evaluation is based on critique of student independent final project work and related documentation. GIS. Class limit: 8. Lab fee: $75.
Course Syllabus Course Assignments
Instructor:
Gordon Longsworth
This course is designed specifically to support students who wish to spend 10 weeks exploring and developing their own project to a high level of sophistication using GIS. It is for students who wish to take advantage of the unique nature of what GIS can bring to a project and develop expertise and proficiency in their use and understanding of GIS. Many resource management jobs expect applicants to have such a level of GIS experience. The course supports new and continuing projects such as GIS1 projects, independent studies, senior projects and thesis work. Projects may span a full range of disciplines including the arts, planning, sciences and humanities. This course can also be used to assist and reinforce advanced work pursued in conjunction with another course. Especially beneficial is the learning students gain from interacting with and observing each other and the tools, data, methods and issues of other projects. Topics and technical applications covered are primarily based upon what is needed and relevant to address project issues and goals. Advanced topics addressed include methods of analysis, geo-processing, the use of Model Builder technology, 3-dimensional modeling and visualization, creating presentation quality cartography and graphics and project publication which can take many electronic and non-electronic forms. Evaluations describe what students actually accomplish and how they have done so. Also considered is the degree of effort, level of project development, quality and accuracy of work, process documentation and final products. Level: Advanced. Pre-requisites: Previous GIS course or Landuse Planning and GIS. Class limit: 6. Lab fee: $50.
Course Syllabus Course Assignments
Instructor:
Gordon Longsworth
Meets the following requirements: AD
In this course we will examine what key physical aspects make communities desirable places to live, work and visit and how principals of sustainability can be integrated into the planning process. New development often undermines a sense of place and poses threats to environmental resources such as water quality. Through analyzing a local town in terms of its natural resources, cultural history, scenic quality and the built environment, students determine how new development and conservation may be balanced. They learn how to use computerized geographic information systems (GIS) as a planning tool in developing their recommendations. Students present their final class project to local community decision-makers. Level: Intermediate. Previous coursework in GIS is not a prerequisite. Class limit: 12. Lab Fee $50.00. *AD*
Course Syllabus Course Assignments
Instructors:
Isabel Mancinelli
Gordon Longsworth
For an up-to-date listing of GIS courses offered click here. You will be connected to the course catalog.
GIS Lab Contact:
Gordon Longsworth, glongsworth@coa.edu, 207-288-2944, extension 277
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