Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 264 archive revision 201704

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Effective Term:
Fall 2017

Course Number:
GEO 264
Course Title:
Maps & Geospatial Concepts
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Introduces principles and concepts needed to understand the use and interpretation of maps, geospatial technologies, geographic information systems & science. Includes: scale, reference systems, coordinate systems, map projections, types of maps, role of maps in society & culture, data visualization, global positioning systems, remote sensing, digital landscapes, and map interpretation. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of Geography 160 the student will be able to:

  • Examine maps as communication tools, cultural artifacts, and models of the Earth
  • Apply underlying map concepts to geographic information systems (GIS) and other geospatial technologies
  • Read and interpret a wide range of maps
  • Proficiently use mapping and GIS terminology
  • Use an understanding of cartography to examine cultural and environmental issues

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Course Activities and Design

The material in this course will be presented in a computer lab setting through classroom lecture, discussion, software demonstration, and computer-based labs. Other methods may be implemented such as research papers and small group work.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:
A. Written results of class labs and exercises
B. Completion of a midterm exam
C. Completion of a final project

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, Concepts, Issues:
A. Types of Maps
B. Cartographic Representation
C. Coordinate Systems
D. Map Projections
E. Quantitative & Qualitative Data
F. Map Reading & Design
G. Map interpretation
H. Map Elements
Competencies and Skills:
A. Identify and define mapping and GIS terminology
B. Proficiently interpret a wide variety of maps
C. Recognize spatial data errors and (in)accuracies
D. Identify purposes and distinguish characteristics of map projections
E. Use of scale on maps and in spatial data
F. Understand geographic and projected coordinate systems