MCCCD Program Description

Geographic Information Technologies

Course: GIS205

First Term: 2024 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Introduces modern geographic information technologies, including cartography, Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems, and statistical analyses.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Trace the history of cartography (prehistoric to modern era). (I) 2. Identify and describe the characteristics of the earth (size, shape, movement). (II) 3. Explain datums, projections, and coordinate systems. (III) 4. Evaluate types of maps and their applications. (IV) 5. Identify surveying techniques. (V) 6. Explain feature representation through color, symbols, and typography. (VI) 7. Describe the role of the audience in cartographic design considerations. (VI) 8. Identify map elements and properties. (VII) 9. Explain the concept of map scale and how it is expressed. (VII) 10. Analyze how maps are used and misused. (VIII) 11. Explain the role of the computer in map production. (IX) 12. Describe GIS applications. (X) 13. Explain the role of remote sensing applications in GIS. (XI) 14. Describe the role of statistics in cartography. (XII) 15. Compare and contrast the map production process for both analog and digital delivery methods. (XIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History of cartography A. Earliest evidence of mapmaking B. Eratosthenes and Ptolemy C. Mapmaking 1. 19th century 2. 20th century D. Mapmaking in the 21st century II. Characteristics of Earth A. Size and shape B. Movements C. Great circle vs. small circle D. Rhumb line III. Datums, projections, and coordinate systems A. Datums B. Projections 1. Classifications a. Cylindrical b. Conic c. Aximuth d. Pseudocylindrical 2. Major and minor properties a. Shape b. Area c. Distance d. Direction C. Coordinate systems 1. Latitude/longitude 2. Cartesian coordinate system IV. Types of maps A. Mental B. Planimetric C. Topographic D. Thematic 1. Dot density 2. Choropleth 3. Isoline 4. Flow line E. Cartogram F. Special purpose V. Surveying A. Compass traverse B. Global positioning system (GPS) VI. Cartographic design considerations A. Color B. Symbols C. Typography D. Figure-ground relationships E. Standard vs. subjective properties F. The role of the audience G. The purpose of the map VII. Map Elements A. Legend, title, and source B. Direction 1. Azimuth 2. Compass 3. Magnetic declination a. True north b. Magnetic north c. Grid north C. Scale 1. Representative fraction 2. Verbal 3. Graphic 4. Large scale vs. small scale 5. Scale conversions VIII. Map Misuse A. Generalization B. Map errors C. Maps in advertising D. Maps in government E. Political maps F. Maps for propaganda IX. Computer Aided Cartography A. Digitizing B. Address matching X. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) A. Purpose B. Components C. Applications D. Spatial analysis XI. Remote Sensing A. Aerial photographs B. Radar C. Satellite images XII. Statistical Analysis A. Descriptive vs. inductive B. Levels of measurement 1. Nominal 2. Ordinal 3. Interval 4. Ratio C. Functions of statistics D. Spatial patterns 1. Distribution 2. Analysis XIII. Map production A. Mapmaking process 1. Analog maps 2. Digital maps

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.