NATRS 192 - GIS for Natural Resources

Credits: 5
Introduces geospatial concepts as part of the discipline of geographic information systems (GIS). Provides an overview with hands-on experience with ArcGIS software and functionality in natural resources applications. Emphasizes principal components of ArcGIS including: ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox and ArcGIS Online. Provides hands-on practical exercises using field data in various formats including shapefiles, raster, geodatabase feature classes, GPX, and surface features datasets. Explores how to use geospatial datasets already available and how to create, modify or build new datasets. Create, manage, analyze, and display georeferenced datasets and finished maps.

Prerequisite: NATRS 172 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; and MATH 072 or eligible for MATH 097 or higher; and instructor’s permission.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Acquire geospatial datasets from various resources including government entities, open-data portals, and relevant interest groups.
Analyze geospatial data using several types of tools, techniques, and methods.
Utilize ESRI software suite including ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.
Transform GPS data to be readable in ArcMap.
Explain principle spatial concepts pertaining to geographic information systems.
Design and use maps to display geographical data.

Program Outcomes

Attain a job in the Natural Resources field.
Manage Forestland or Resources to attain positive outcomes.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communications between industry partners and cooperators.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.