Courses : Syllabi : 583
Geography 583 Internet Mapping and Distributed GIServices
Instructor
Course Description
This course introduces current development of Internet mapping and advanced cartographic skills in Web-based maps. By using Web-authoring tools (Microsoft SharePointDesigner), Virtual Globes (Google Earth and ArcGIS Explorer), and Internet Map servers (ESRI ArcIMS, ArcGIS Server, Google Map API), students can learn both the techniques of Internet mapping and the principles of Web-based cartography, including multimedia, animation, 3D visualization, and user interface design. The lectures will focus on the theories and principles behind the Internet mapping, including distributed component technologies, graphic designs, and network communications. The lab exercises will focus on the practical applications and Web design skills for Internet mapping services. Students will learn how to design and set up Internet mapping services and to publish their Web maps.
The lectures will focus on the theories and principles behind the Internet mapping and distributed GIServices. There are two sessions for the lecture part. The first session (I) will focus on the theories and principles of Internet Mapping and distributed GIServices. The second session (II) will focus on the actual web authoring skills and software configuration with Internet connection.
The lab exercises will focus on the practical installation and web design training for Internet mapping services. Students must attend each lab session. Lab exercises focus on the training of Internet Mapping skills by using Web authoring software, and Web mapping packages.
Prerequisites
GEO 380 or GEO381 or GEO484 or Web design experiences.
Grading
Your grade in this course will be based on the following elements:
- Lab Exercises: 35%
- Class participation (Online discussion): 10%
- Midterm: 25%
- Group Project: 30%
Graduate students will have an additional assignment (literature review in their specialty areas with the Internet application). Additional 10%. The literature review will ask the students to gather the following information:
- Find out TWO web sites which focus on your own special areas (hydrology, urban geography, etc.), and write a 300 words paragraphs to introduce EACH web site in HTML format. (Publish the writing on the personal Web page).
- Write an essay about the impact of Internet on your own specialty group and identify the potential connections of the Internet applications with your own study area. (1000 words and publish the essay on the personal Web page).
Graduate student assignment due day is one week before the final presentation.
Group Project
Two or three students will form an “Internet Mapping project team”. Each group will submit one page proposal on Week Seven (7) and choose a possible project topic. Each team will select a team coordinator, who will coordinate the work progress of your project. The proposal will list the following items in a single page:
- The title of your project
- Members’ names
- Coordinator’s name
- One paragraph to explain your project (200-300 words)
- Weekly schedules and individual assignments
Each team will spend five minutes to introduce their project to the class on Week Seven.
Each team will give a brief group project progress report (two minutes) at the beginning of lecture each week (beginning Week Eight).
At the end of semester, each team has to submit an “Internet Mapping project final report” in paper format and publish the result to group project web pages. The whole team members will present your project in front of the class as the final exam. The final report presentation will be held during finals week in lieu of the final. Each team has 15 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions. (If you need to use the Powerpoint slide, save the slide in a floppy disk or send it to mtsou@mail.sdsu.edu before your presentation.) The contents of your presentation should follow your group report. (Everyone are required to attend the presentation classes and sign-up your name). The final report (paper format) is due on the last day of finals, at noon, in the instructor’s mailbox (TSOU).
The Final report should include:
Group report (10-15 pages, double space, submit by each group) should include the following items:
- Team members
- Problem statement (why are you doing this project? why Internet mapping?)
- Literature review (other similar projects or fundamental theories, scientific journals or on-line resources)
- Database management and ArcIMS setup (where do your data sets come from? Where do you put them on the Web and which version of ArcIMS do you use?)
- Results (introduce your web design and published data)
- Discussion
Individual report (3-5 pages, double space, submit by individuals):
- The major accomplishment of your group project
- Your own contribution to the project
- What do you learn from this project?
- Your suggestions for the project (If you can re-do this project, which part of the project would you improve?)
Grading:
Final presentation 15%, Web Design 25%, Group project report 40%, Individual report 20%.
Books and Materials
Peng, Z.R. and Tsou, M.H. (2003). Internet GIS: distributed geographic information services for the Internet and wireless networks. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Textbook web site
Additional readings as assigned.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week One | Introduction |
| Week Two | History of Internet and Web Mapping |
| Week Three | Cartography and User Interface Design |
| Week Four | Software Architecture |
| Week Five | Multimedia and Hypermedia |
| Week Six | Software Solution Key Technologies Introduction to Group Project |
| Week Seven | Visualization/ HCI \ Group Project Proposal Presentation |
| Week Eight | Distributed component technology Review Exam |
| Week Nine | Mid-term Exam Virtual Reality and 3D Cartography |
| Week Ten | No class |
| Week Eleven | Mobile GIS and Wireless communication |
| Week Twelve | User Profile and Web site Evaluation |
| Week Thirteen | New Media (Virtual Globes) and New Technology (AJAX) |
| Week Fourteen | Intelligent GIServices and Semantic Web |
| Week Fifteen | Future Direction of Internet GIS |