Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Keiko Tanaka (Assistant Teaching Professor of Environmental Science)
• Email: ktanaka@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 416
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 9:00–10:30 a.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 416)
  • Friday: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Spatial data models, coordinate systems, map projections, remote sensing imagery, geoprocessing, and spatial analysis for environmental and infrastructure planning, using ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. ENVS 250 provides a practical, project-based introduction to geographic information systems, geospatial data science, and spatial cartography. Meeting in the Ashby Hall geospatial computing laboratory, students master vector and raster data architectures, georeferencing, coordinate systems, and map projections using industry-standard ArcGIS Pro and open-source QGIS software. We explore spatial analysis workflows, multi-criteria site suitability modeling, watershed delineation from digital elevation models (DEMs), remote sensing image classification, and professional cartographic design for environmental planning and policy.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ENVS 250, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Spatial Data Models and Coordinate Systems: Distinguish between vector and raster data structures, evaluate topological relationships, and select appropriate geographic coordinate systems and map projections.
2. Execute Advanced Geoprocessing Workflows: Perform spatial queries, buffer analysis, map overlay operations, spatial joins, and raster algebra to solve complex environmental planning problems.
3. Process and Classify Remote Sensing Imagery: Interpret multispectral satellite imagery, compute normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and perform supervised and unsupervised land cover classifications.
4. Conduct Terrain and Hydrological Analysis: Delineate watersheds, calculate flow direction and accumulation, and model stream networks from digital elevation models (DEMs).
5. Construct Multi-Criteria Suitability Models: Design weighted multi-criteria overlay models to evaluate habitat conservation corridors and municipal infrastructure siting.
6. Design Professional Cartographic Maps: Apply principles of visual hierarchy, symbology, color theory, and typographic balance to produce publication-quality maps and interactive web maps.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Bolstad, Paul. GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems. 6th ed., XanEdu Publishing, 2019. Approx. $45 for digital access; approx. $65 for print purchase.
2. ArcGIS Pro student educational license and open-source QGIS desktop software suite. Free (provided to all enrolled students).
3. External USB 3.0 flash drive or portable solid-state drive (minimum 32 GB) for spatial project backups. Approx. $15 to $25.
4. Total estimated cost: $15 to $90.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ENVS 250 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to troubleshoot Python geospatial scripts (ArcPy and PyQGIS), generate ideas for map design layouts, and clarify the mathematical definitions of coordinate projections.
• What is prohibited: You may not submit AI-generated map layouts, use AI to automate geoprocessing assignments without personal execution in GIS software, or access AI during quizzes and the final exam.
• Disclosure: For every GIS laboratory assignment and the final spatial analysis project, include a brief disclosure statement detailing any AI tools consulted for scripting or workflow design, or state that no AI tools were used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam: 15% (In class, Thursday, October 15)
• Weekly GIS Laboratory Projects: 30% (Weekly lab portfolio assignments due Fridays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–13; lowest dropped))
• Spatial Analysis Term Project: 20% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• In-Class Practical Quizzes: 10% (Canvas and lab practical quizzes administered alternate Thursdays; lowest dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 1:30–3:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: Students can earn up to 2% extra credit by participating in an approved campus OpenStreetMap mapathon or submitting an innovative cartographic entry to the annual GIS Day exhibition.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Because ENVS 250 meets in the computer laboratory and builds cumulative software proficiencies in ArcGIS Pro and QGIS, regular attendance is vital. If an illness or emergency requires an absence, notify Dr. Tanaka via email. You are responsible for catching up on software tutorials before the subsequent class session. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Weekly GIS laboratory projects submitted after the Friday deadline lose 10% per day and are not accepted beyond four days late. To accommodate software export issues or illness, the single lowest weekly GIS project score will be dropped at the end of the term.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 1:30–3:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).