Principles of GIS (GEOL 403/503) - 3 credits: Study of the software-independent fundamentals of GIS, data models, data sources, databases, cartography, introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS),and geospatial metadata. Practical application and hands-on experience with ESRI ™ ArcGIS software. Exercises include building, editing, and querying a GIS, basic spatial analysis, digitizing, and producing cartography (maps). Students will also use GPS receivers. Here is the syllabus for this class.

Text Books : ''GIS fundamentals'' - By Paul Bolstad 
                            "Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" - by Tim Ormsby and others

Prerequisites: Knowledge of Windows operating systems or instructor approval

Instructor: Bhushan Gokhale.                                                                      
Email: gokhbhus@isu.edu
Phone: 208-282-6094
My Office Hours

TA : Chris Forsgren
Email: forschr2@isu.edu 
Phone: 208-282-7828

All Students:
Make certain you understand ISU's computer use policy. View it here.
Most students require 1-3 hours of additional classroom time each week to complete their exercises and learn the new materials.
To assist my students I am making my MS PowerPoint lecture presentations avaialable on-line. The presentations DO NOT substitute the class sessions which are mandatory for students. ( Note: Not all sessions use a PowerPoint presentation and these materials do not represent all lectures used in class. )

Lectures: (Notice : All materials are copyrighted and the property of Idaho State University.)

Week 1: Introduction to ArcGIS
Week 2: Getting to Know ArcGIS
Week 3: GIS Data Models
Week 4: Geodesy, Datums, Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
Week 5: Data Sources, Digitizing
Week 6:Data sources and Data Editing
Week 7: GPS
Week 8: Databases 
Week 9: Query and Summarization
Week 10: Spatial Analysis
Week 11: Metadata
Week 12: Cartography
Week 13: Idrisi and MapWindow

FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE 

Lab Hours: Students can use the GIS Center's computer lab (B-19) ANYTIME except for the other scheduled class hours.