Introduction to geographic information systems, including discussions of GIS hardware, software, data structures, data acquisition, analytical techniques, and implementation procedures. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications and uses of GIS.
 
 

C R P 452/552 - Geographic Data Management and Planning Analysis (offered every Fall and every Spring)

Attention: During the Fall of 2007, this course will not be taught.
Prerequisite: C R P 451 /551 or equivalent.

CRP 452/552 builds upon the knowledge and skills covered in CRP 451/551 (Introduction to Geographic Information Systems) to explore advanced spatial techniques
related to the creation, exploration, analysis, modeling, visualization, interpretation, and management of geographic data. You will learn how to use three software: GeoDa 9.5-i, SkechtUp, and ArcGIS 9.1 (and one of its extensions). They will be used intensively to accomplish the above tasks. GeoDa 9.5-i is designed to implement techniques of exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), using concepts of spatial statistics.

Students taking CRP 452/552 are expected to be familiarized with the ArcGIS environment and its basic operations. The course will progress in five phases: (1) getting familiar with the GeoDa environment and its basic operations to perform ESDA; (2) visualizing the urban context in Google Earth, producing some basic design; (3) understanding the structure of geodatabase model and its design principles, focusing on the concepts and methods of implementing and managing geodatabase; (4) applying geoprocessing techniques by using the Model Builder; and (5) exploring advanced analytical techniques (vector and raster) with ArcGIS extension named Spatial Analyst. Because of the way how this course is designed, there are plenty of hands-on practices to help students learn and experiment various GIS operations inside and outside of class sessions.

A WebCT has been designed for this course. After logging in, students will be able to access the digital papers and books, grades, important announcements, assignments, homework, discussions, and the PowerPoint presentations for classes.

Overall, CRP452/552 is designed to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Introduce the basic operations for exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) by using GeoDa software package.
2. Introduce the creation and management of geodatabases.
3. Introduce 3D visualization to better understand the urban context.
4. Introduce various vector-based analytical techniques (e.g., feature extraction, buffer generation, and polygon overlay analysis) in ArcToolbox, using Model Builder.
5. Introduce raster analysis by using the Spatial Analyst extension.

After taking CRP452/552 students will be able to explain and implement spatial analyses concerning ESDA, 3D visualization, geodatabase, geoprocessing, and raster surfaces.

C R P 595 - Seminar in GIS Applications and Research (offered in the Fall and Spring)

This seminar is the last step for graduate ISU students who are pursuing the GIS Certificate Program. It is designed to meet once a week (Mondays at 12:10pm ) in the GIS Lab (Design 526). Students will present their GIS Application. During the semester, ISU faculty and GIS professionals from across the state will also present their GIS-oriented work. The seminar is open to the public, and if you have interest in one of the presentations below, please join us!