Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Geological Sciences

3D topographic image of the Tibetan Plateau, project INDEPTH, (Diaconescu, 1997)

    Through the use of GIS, various data input files (satellite, topographic, geologic, geophysical, geochemical, etc.) in different format types (raster, numerical, vectorial) will be integrated in a single operative environment, regardless of the original system of coordinates and the scale of representation. Earth sciences are by their nature multi-disciplinary and integrative, and GIS is a most opportune tool that enables integration of data across fields. Within the framework of GIS and 3-D visualization, this course will use regional real-world data and applications appropriate for geosciences applications.

    The goals of this GIS course is to help integrate GIS into the activities of the Department of Geological Sciences to foster the use of GIS in the classroom and research projects, and to utilize existing technology (such as Global Positioning Systems) and Internet resources in conjunction with GIS. The course will use real-world data and applications specific to earth science students. Students will be able to create thematic maps through spatial and numerical quarries from existing base maps and other related data.

Logistics:   

    This course is designed as a 500 introductory-level course, although prior knowledge of GIS fundamentals is strongly recommended. The emphasis is on learning-by-doing, so most of the class time is organized around lab exercises and a final project at the end of the semester. This course will be primarily taught in the lab and will provide hands-on in building geodatabases that are easily accessible and manageable. Students will gain experience with various data models for geological and geophysical applications, including spatial and relational databases, and development of a database standard will be explored. The use and integration of remotely sensed imagery will also be included.

Objectives:

• Integration of geological, geophysical, geochemical, and/or environmental data through GIS.

• Ability to apply the GIS techniques to specific geosciences data.

• Discriminate between spatial and tabular data.

• Using GIS, raster data such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, gravity and magnetic data, or scanned maps can be overlaid with vector data such as faults, strike and dip.

• Understanding of cartography such as map scale, map projections, coordinate systems, cartographic design, resolution.

• 
  Development, analysis, and visualization of geological, geophysical, and imagery databases.

• 
  Use of Global Positioning System (GPS) in conjunction with GIS.

• Apply GIS to (1) geologic map production, (2) mineral exploration, (3) ground water exploration and management, (4) landside hazard zonation, (5) assessment of earthquake hazards, (6) volcanic hazards, etc.

• Use of internet resources for acquiring GIS data.

• 
  Basic concepts of Remote Sensing techniques and applications.

Exams:  All exams will be based on the lectures and textbook readings.  There will be a total of two mid-term exams (no final). The exam scores will be equally weighted, and will count for 30% of your final course grade.

Final Project: Students will be encouraged to propose their project of choice, ideally related to their own interests and research. The graduate students will be expected to write their class project as a publishable paper, whereas the undergraduate students can turn their projects in as reports.

Grading:

Exams (2 midterms)                                        30%

Lab Assignments                                             40%

Final Project                                                    20%

Quizzes                                                              5%

Class Participation                                              5%

Assignments: Assignments will be handed out most every week. A week is allowed to complete the assignments, unless otherwise specified. A penalty of 5% per day after the due date will be applied unless a very good reason is presented in advance for not being able to complete the assignement.

Attendance: The attendance policy is simple: Come to class. An excused absence will be tolerated, but any more than 3 absences will become a problem.

Software: Lab exercises represent the main part of this course. Practical demonstrations will make use of ArcGIS (as the standard ESRI-GIS software) and/or MapInfo, Surfer, and to some extent the 3-D PowerWall visualization facility of the College of Science and Mathematics.

Pre-Requisites:

    GEOG 363 or 563 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

Seat Availability:

   Seat availability is limited to16.

Schedule of Course Topics

Return to Page Top
Back to Camelia Knapp's web page
Back to Department of Geological Sciences

Maintained by Camelia Knapp (camelia@geol.sc.edu)
Last updated 15 January 2005