Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to GIS and Cartography (Face-to-Face)

GEOG 2800-01

Course: GEOG 2800-01
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: GEOS
CRN: 31230

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the fundamentals of cartographic design. This course serves as an introduction course for all other geospatial courses and gives the foundation for geospatial theory, skills for using GIS software for map making, basic spatial analysis, and integration with online web services. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] A minimum grade of ā€œCā€ (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a Geosciences major, minor, certificate, or as a prerequisite for any other course.

Required Texts


  1. Michael Shin, Jonathan Campbell, & Sierra Burkhart (2022) Essentials of Geographic Information Systems v3.0. FlatWorld. ISBN: 9781453337639 The "BASIC" (cheaper) version, the 1st or 2nd edition are all suitable. https://students.flatworldknowledge.com/engage/courses/2613304 

  2. Wilpen Gorr, and Kristen Kurland (2023) GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 3.2, 5th ed. ISBN: 9781589487406 https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781589487680 

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the fundamental concepts of GIS including data types, coordinate systems, data models (vector and raster), and the processes of geographic data input, storage, analysis, and output.
  2. Apply GIS software tools to perform spatial data management and analysis, including attribute queries, spatial joins, buffer analysis, overlay operations, and basic geoprocessing functions.
  3. Apply cartographic design principles to create effective, accurate, and visually appealing maps that clearly communicate geographic information to a target audience.
  4. Interpret and manage data uncertainty and error propagation within GIS datasets and models, understanding their implications for spatial analysis and decision-making.
  5. Integrate geospatial data from multiple sources (including remote sensing and web mapping tools) into GIS projects and present spatial analysis results through digital and print cartographic products.

Course Requirements


Course Objective 

This course is designed for the integration of lecture and lab work throughout the semester.  The lecture portion of this course is designed to introduce the student to thinking spatially.  Being able to ask the correct questions while working with geospatial objects in order to help make decisions. A student will have an understanding of how data are organized into models, how these models can be used for performing analysis, and how these models help one better understand relationships between real-world objects, their location, distribution, association, interaction, and change over time. One must understand coordinate systems and how they relate to the concept of overlay analysis, modeling, and error propagation. Data uncertainty will be discussed and how errors are created and perpetuated into GIS data, systems and models.   

This course is designed to introduce the student to the applied technical side of geographic information system. The use of GIS software is utilized in a teaching lab. A strong emphasis is placed on providing hands-on experience and building theoretical knowledge of GIS applications. Students will understand and be able to utilize GIS software for basic cartography and attribute classification, data manipulation and conversion, and perform many spatial analytical functions. Students will be able to work with multiple projections and coordinates systems and understand the methods used to convert between them.  

ELO: Inquiry & Analysis, Digital Literacy, and Integrative Learning (through the use of GIS software and Techniques)

Course Outline

Lecture topics 
Lab Tutorials
Lab Assignments

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments, Test and makeup work Policy:
Late assignments cannot earn more than 75% of total possible points, after 24 hours only 50%, and after 48 hours 25%.
Test will be taken when they are scheduled.
Health related circumstances with verification are required to discuss a possible rescheduling of any test.
Reschedule exams will be taken before the regularly scheduled time.
An exam reschedule is not guaranteed if the student missing taking an exam.
All exams will start within 5 minutes of the beginning of class and will end at 10 minutes to the hour. (or an agreed time with class)
The only alteration to exams will be related to the fact, if over 80% of the class miss the same question, then it will be reviewed.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy:     
Attendance is required.  Interactive demonstrations occur during lecture times and students must attend to participate in the demonstrations. Attendance is required for staying current with assignments and any alterations of schedule and due dates.  Missing of class is not an excuse for turning in any late assignments. It is your responsibility to check what you missed.  This course is designed as a face-to-face course and only approved students will have access to the online content.  Please be respectful and arrive on time, many lectures contain interactive requirements with students and if you are late, it is quite difficult to catch up. Communication with the instructor is required for any preauthorized missing of class, and an agreement will be made with the instructor and student for missed work. 

Student Expectations:      Students are expected to attend class regularly and come to class prepared and on time.  Absences will only be excused with prior notice and discussion with the instructor.  Assignments are due at the beginning of each class or as assigned through CANVAS.  Class participation is expected and will be greatly beneficial to the student in preparation for test, quizzes, and assignments.  It is recommended that students complete the reading before the lecture and bring their book to class with question from their reading. Assignments will be given from each chapter and must be completed as given.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.