Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Open Source GIS (Face-to-Face)

GEOG 2860-103

Course: GEOG 2860-103
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: GEOS
CRN: 13989

Course Description

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of QGIS, an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Students will learn how to use QGIS for spatial data visualization, analysis, and map creation.  A minimum grade of "C" (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. (Spring - Even Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): GEOG 2800 or Instructor Approval - Prerequisite Min Grade: C

Required Texts

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Navigate and customize the QGIS interface
  2. Import, visualize, symbolize, and manage spatial data (vector & raster).
  3. Perform basic spatial analysis and geoprocessing.
  4. Create high-quality maps and layouts.
  5. Work with open data sources (e.g., OSM, government data).
  6. Understand concepts of coordinate systems and projections.
  7. Develop reproducible workflows with QGIS tools (Processing Toolbox, Plugins).

Course Requirements

Course Objective 
This course is designed as an introduction GIS using the Open Source GIS software QGIS. 
Student will be progress through a series of exercises and labs to learn the software.
There will be a comparison to the ArcGIS Pro software and student will complete a project presenting the 1:1 comparison of functionality of the top 50 tasks.

Course Outline

Week 1 — Introduction to GIS & QGIS
Week 2 — Data Types & Sources
Week 3 — Coordinate Systems & Projections
Week 4 — Attribute Data & Tables
Week 5 — Cartography & Symbolization
Week 6 — Labeling & Map Layouts
Week 7 — Basic Spatial Analysis
Week 8 — Raster Fundamentals
Week 9 — Terrain Analysis
Week 10 — Geocoding & Web Layers
Week 11 — Plugins & Extensions
Week 12 — Data Editing & GPS
Week 13 — Automated Workflows
Week 14 — Final Project Work
Week 15 — Final Presentations & Review
Student project presentations

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.