In Geographic Information Systems I, you will receive an introduction to GIS, integrating theory with hands-on manipulation of data (using ESRI's ArcGIs) to solve real-world problems.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by assisting you in developing knowledge of the vocabulary and concepts of spatial analysis, as well as equipping you with practical skills. Successful students will find completion of this course prepares them for a variety of careers, ranging from marketing, to environmental management, to population demographics or homeland security.

Optional sessions to assist with your understanding of course material will be held online using a synchronous interactive online format (eNOVA). There is an ongoing eNOVA session available for group study; this is available to all students, all the time.

The following is required for entry into this course:

• A PC running MS Windows XP 
  
  • Pentium IV or better processor
    
  • 512MB RAM or more
  • 1GB or more hard-disk free space
  • Dedicated graphhics card not required (but VERY helpful)
    
• Computer headset/microphone (or speakers and stand alone microphone)
• Broadband Internet connection
• General computer skills (routine operating system maintenance, program installation, file/folder manipulation) (e.g., ITE 115) or instructor approval.
• A copy of ArcGIS 9.3 installed on your computer (software comes with the GIS Tutorial workbook)
  • Update ArcGIS 9.3 to SP1
    
• The data from GIS Tutorial workbook installed on your computer

If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the inter-relationship of cartography, data base management, data sources, and data types, and your role as a GIS analyst in managing this environment.
• Define GIS in the broader context of information technology.
• Locate, collect, manipulate, and analyze spatial data.
• Apply spatial concepts to a practical problem, using your results to inform a management decision.

The required textbooks for this course are:

• Geographic Information Systems and Science, Paul A. Longley et al, John Wiley and Sons, 2005, 978-0470-87001-3
  


• GIS Tutorial (Updated for ArcGIS 9.3) (3nd Edition), Wilpen Gorr & Kristen Kurland, ESRI Press, 2008, 978-1-58948-205-0 (Please contact me as soon as possible if you have purchased this book USED. You MUST have a working copy of the ArcGIS9.3 software for this course.)
  
  
• A data CD and a CD with ArcView 9.3 (single use) (included at the rear cover of GIS Tutorial. The license for ArcGIS 9.3 is good for 180 days from the date of registration.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

There are 2 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : mkrimmer@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 200-8095

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.