Course Description
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become an integral tool in digital humanities research. This course will introduce the theory and concepts of GIS, particularly as they related to the humanities, and allow students to evaluate and gain hands-on introductory-level experience with a variety of open-source and fee-based GIS resources and software.
Athena Title
Introduction to GIS
Non-Traditional Format
To practice analysis of archival documents in order to learn how to properly contextualize and handle these kinds of materials. • To learn how to digitize documents and other objects using industry standards and metadata. • To achieve proficiency in the use of Omeka to build online exhibitions. • To explore issues related to the creation of content for the web such as fair use and copyright.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• To understand the theory and concepts of geographic information systems (GIS), particularly as they relate to the humanities; • To understand the basics of maps and spatial data; • To evaluate and gain hands-on introductory-level experience with a variety of open-source and fee-based GIS resources and software.
Topical Outline
• Overview of geographic information systems (GIS) – what it is, what it can do • Map basics – scale, projection, coordinate systems; types of maps and their uses • Introduction to spatial data • Hands-on introduction to various open-source and fee-based GIS resources and software, including: o Social Explorer – web-based application available through GALILEO@UGA that allows users to create maps using demographic data from 1790-present. o Google Maps – desktop and mobile web mapping service; Google Maps API allows developers to embed maps in their websites. o Google Earth – virtual globe, map and geographic information application that allows users to import spatial data and integrate it into a 3D map. o CartoDB – a geospatial database on the cloud that allows users to create map-based data visualizations. o ArcGIS – industry standard GIS software that allows users to display and analyze spatial data.
Syllabus