LECTURES

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students will work in groups, proposing and then executing a solution to analyze a complex geographical problem. Groups will agree with the instructor on a suitable problem, and then solve it by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data using GIS tools.

Although real issues in geographical analysis must be addressed, the focus of the course evaluation will be on the project's methodological and organizational design, application of appropriate GIS techniques and presentations of final results. The GIS component will be accomplished through extensive independent lab work. It is assumed that students already know the theories behind GIS analysis, and are proficient in the use of at least one GIS package.

One intention of the course is to simulate a team-oriented workplace environment. All projects MUST be done within groups, and there will be strict deadlines. Students must be highly motivated and able to make progress without constant supervision.

TEXT

There are no specific textbooks or readings for the entire class. Readings will be suggested to individual groups to help them with their projects.

PREREQUISITES

GGR 462S: GGR272H, 373H, and 2 other GGR courses. Other combinations of background courses may also be suitable, with permission of the instructor. Knowledge of basic statistics is recommended for this course.

JPG 1914S: Discuss with instructor; some GIS background assumed.

REQUIREMENTS

Groups will submit and present a problem proposal within the first month of classes. An interim report will be submitted at the beginning of March focusing on data collection and planned analysis, in order to get written feedback from the instructor. Oral presentations will be given through the latter weeks of classes, and the final presentation will take place towards the end of the session (exact dates TBA). Written report and final web design are due on the last day of classes. Precise dates will be given in class. Oral presentations will be given in SS 2125, and groups are expected to use both the multimedia projection hardware available there, and HTML/JAVA pages (web pages) as part of their presentations. The audience may include a variety of people from outside the course.

LECTURE SCHEDULE

EVALUATION

Late Policy:

In keeping with the simulated professional environment, there will be no provision for late submissions without medical certification (i.e., no late submissions will be accepted).

COURSE ORGANIZATION

• Students must form and work in groups of 4 to 6 persons
• Projects may be chosen from the recommended selections or it may be designed by students
• All key data must be available by January 22

GOALS

• GIS project design
• Group work:
    • Technological development
    • Solving an applied problem
    • Documentation, report writing, live and on-line presentations
• Time management
• Improving methodological, technical and interpersonal skills

KEEP IN MIND:

• The ability to actually solve a problem is not as important as the system you design to solve it
• Assessment by instructor, external reviewers and peer review
• Other projects are possible but all data must be available by January 22
• Groups of at least 4 students and at most 6 students.

RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE

• MapInfo (PC)
• ArcInfo (PC or UNIX)
• ArcView (PC or UNIX)
• GRASS (UNIX)
• PCI Works (UNIX)

Fundamental technical assistance with software will be available from the course instructors. However, students are expected to improve their software and related technical skills to a level necessary for the completion of the project using software manuals and other references.

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

All students will have a private CIRQUE (PC-based software) or TERRE (UNIX-based software) account.

Computer facilities will be available in Sidney Smith and in the Physical Geography Building.