Geographical Information Systems – GIS Level 1 (363-1-1)

Instructors

James H. Harris

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F285: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful tools for organizing, visualizing, analyzing, and communicating information tied to location. This introductory course explores the concepts and applications of GIS through lectures and hands-on exercises using real-world spatial and temporal datasets. Students will learn how geographic information is represented and managed, work with vector and raster data, examine coordinate systems and map projections, perform spatial analyses, and create effective maps. Examples and applications will be drawn from the natural sciences, social sciences, and other fields. No prior experience with GIS is required.

Registration Requirements

No prior GIS, programming, or science coursework is required. The course is intended for students from a broad range of academic backgrounds. Students who have previously completed ENVR_SCI 390: GIS Level 1 are subject to the existing enrollment restriction.

Learning Objectives

Students will develop a conceptual and practical understanding of geographic information systems and spatial analysis. By the end of the course, students should be able to distinguish between vector and raster data models; locate, evaluate, and manage geospatial datasets; understand coordinate reference systems and map projections; perform fundamental attribute and spatial queries, joins, and geoprocessing operations; analyze geographic patterns using vector and raster data; and design maps that communicate spatial information effectively. Students will also learn to evaluate sources of spatial uncertainty, construct multi-step GIS workflows, and apply spatial evidence to investigate questions and support decision-making.

Teaching Method

Class meetings combine lectures, software demonstrations, guided problem solving, and hands-on GIS exercises. Students will progressively develop practical skills through structured workflows involving data preparation, spatial analysis, and map production. Exercises will use real-world datasets from a variety of disciplines. Emphasis is placed on understanding the reasoning, assumptions, and limitations underlying GIS methods, rather than simply learning individual software commands. An individual applied project will provide an opportunity to investigate a question using GIS.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation includes regular applied GIS assignments, short assessments of conceptual understanding and spatial reasoning, and an individual GIS project involving the analysis and presentation of geospatial data. Assignments emphasize the practical application of GIS methods, interpretation of results, and effective cartographic communication. Detailed assessment requirements and grading weights will be provided in the course syllabus.

Class Materials (Required)

There is no required textbook. Course materials, laboratory instructions, datasets, and assigned readings will be provided through Canvas. GIS software and other necessary digital resources will be freely available or accessible through Northwestern University resources. Students will not be required to purchase specialized GIS software.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Optional reference materials include Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by Ingram and colleagues, an openly available textbook from the University System of Georgia, and A Gentle Introduction to GIS from the QGIS Project. Additional open educational resources and software documentation will be identified during the quarter.

Class Notes

This course is designed for students with no prior experience in geographic information systems. Programming experience is not required. Students should be comfortable with basic computer operations and willing to learn unfamiliar software. A laptop is recommended for hands-on activities, although students who do not have access to suitable hardware should contact the instructor to discuss available University resources. GIS concepts and methods will be introduced progressively, with examples and guided workflows provided throughout the course.

Class Attributes

Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Dis
SoC Mathematics, Science, and Technology Distro

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Anti-Requisite: Students may not enroll if they have completed ENVR_SCI 390 GIS Level 1.