Course

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
Geography and the Environment
Course code
GEOG 2270
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
25
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course description
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a set of powerful computerized tools designed to store, retrieve, analyze and display geographically referenced information. GIS are used to explore complex geographic relationships and discover patterns that were previously undetectable through conventional methods. GIS analysis has become important in many industries and provides students with employable skills in several fields of study. This hands-on course examines the components and functions of GIS, the characteristics of spatial data, and spatial analysis and display. Students will be introduced to GIS theory which will be reinforced with hands-on lab exercises.
Course content
  1. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
    • How GIS is Affecting Our Lives
    • What is a GIS?
    • Introduction to ArcGIS software
  2. GIS and Cartography
    • Map and Attribute Information
    • Map Scale and Projections
    • Coordinate Systems
    • Geographic Information
    • Cartographic Process
  3. Characteristics Of Spatial Data
    • Vector Data and Raster Data
    • Remotely Sensed Imagery
    • Geodata Accuracy and Precision
    • Error and Uncertainty in GIS
  4. Acquiring Spatial Data in situ
    • Global Positioning Systems
    • Land Surveying
    • Census and Sampling
  5. Introduction to Remote Sensing
    • Satellite Characteristics
    • Electromagnetic Radiation
    • Active vs. Passive Sensors
    • Spatial, Temporal and Spectral Resolution
  6. Database Management
    • Database Structure
    • Spatial Databases
    • Searching by Attribute
    • Searching by Geography
    • Basic Queries
  7. Spatial Analysis 
    • Basic Analysis (Buffering, Overlays, Interpolation)
    • Surface Analysis
    • Network Analysis
    • Statistical Analysis
  8. GIS Output
    • Map Design Principles
    • Map Elements
    • Reports, Graphs and Tables
    • Web Maps

 

Learning activities

The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:

  • Lecture
  • Labs
  • Multimedia
  • Individual and/or Team Projects
  • Small Group Discussions

 

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific criteria during the first week of classes.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

Labs 25%
Quizzes 20%
Midterm Exam   25%
Final Exam 30%
Total 100%
Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the components and uses of an effective GIS.
  2. Describe the characteristics of spatial data and explain how projection, coordinate and datum systems impact GIS precision and accuracy.
  3. Use the components of a GIS to input data, create topology, analyze data and produce maps to communicate the results of the analyses.
  4. Employ critical thinking skills to evaluate data, analytical methods and results.
  5. Compare and contrast file and database management systems.
  6. Analyze the issues associated with the implementation, operationalization and management of GIS.
  7. Explain the issues of data acquisition, data quality and data conversion/integration.
Textbook materials

Texts will be updated periodically. Typical examples are:

  • Bolstad, P. (2022). GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems, Seventh Edition. XanEdu.
  • Chang, K. (2014). Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 7th edition. McGraw-Hill.
  • Gorr, W. & Kurland, K. (2021). GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 2.8, Fourth Edition. ESRI Press.
  • Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S. (2011). An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 4th edition. Pearson/Prentice Hall.
  • Jensen, J.R. and Jensen R.R. (2013). Introductory Geographic Information Systems. Pearson.
  • Law, M. and Collins, A. (2021). Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro, Fourth Edition. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.
  • Longley, P., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., and Rhind, D.W. (2015). Geographic Information Science and Systems, Fourth Edition. Wiley.

 

Requisites

Prerequisites

One 1100-Level Geography Course or EAES (GEOL) 1120 or permission of the instructor

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for GEOG 2270
Langara College (LANG) LANG GEOG 2XXX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU GEOG 255 (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU GEOG 2750 (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO GEOG_O 2nd (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV GEOS_V 270 (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC GEOG 300 (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV GEOG 253 (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC GEOG 222 (1.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU GEOG 228 (3)

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
25
Currently enrolled
25
Remaining seats:
0
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N6105
Times:
Start Time
9:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

GEOG 2270 001 prerequisite: one 1100-Level Geography Course or EAES (GEOL) 1120 or permission of the instructor.