Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Spatial Analysis (Face-to-Face)

GEOG 3550-01

Course: GEOG 3550-01
Credits: 4
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: GEOS
CRN: 11020

Course Description

In this spatial analysis course, students will become proficient in fundamental data examination, decision-making, and advanced analytical techniques. The course includes exploration of simulation, modeling, and spatial statistics for addressing spatial and non-spatial data challenges, with a curriculum encompassing both vector and raster analysis. 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) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): GEOG 2800 - Prerequisite Min Grade: C

Required Texts

Online resources are used for this course

Geospatial Analysis 7th Edition, 2024 - de Smith, Goodchild, Longley et al.
https://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Execute geocoding on single and list of address locations, create a geocode composite locator
  2. Perform Spatial Queries: Execute spatial queries to extract, filter, and analyze geographic data based on location and attributes.
  3. Conduct Proximity Analysis: Calculate distances and perform proximity analysis to identify spatial relationships, patterns, and project areas of interest.
  4. Conduct Overlay Analyses: Perform overlay operations to integrate and analyze multiple spatial layers, including intersection, union, and difference operations.
  5. Automate Spatial Processes: Automate spatial processes and workflows using geoprocessing tools and model builders.
  6. Utilize Network Analyses: Analyze networks and find optimal routes, service areas, and allocations using network analysis tools.
  7. Interpolate Spatial Data: Apply spatial interpolation techniques to estimate values at unmeasured locations within a geographic dataset.
  8. Analyze Spatial Patterns: Use spatial statistics and exploratory data analysis to detect and interpret spatial patterns and spatial autocorrelation.
  9. Apply Geostatistics: Apply geostatistical methods to model and analyze spatially distributed data, including variogram analysis and kriging.
  10. Leverage Web Mapping Technologies: Create web maps and perform spatial analysis online using web mapping platforms and cloud-based GIS.
  11. Apply Spatial Analysis in Real-World Contexts: Apply spatial analysis techniques to address real-world problems in fields such as urban planning, environmental science, public health, and business.
  12. Communicate Spatial Analysis Results: Effectively communicate spatial analysis findings through maps, reports, and presentations for informed decision-making.

Course Requirements

Assignment Outline
Each module contains a series of reading assignments, tutorials, an exercise, and a mini follow-up project.  Students are required to complete the assigned reading and questions/terms, follow along with each topic demonstration using provided project data and screen capture their progress and success with procedures using the software.  Follow up tutorials are provided for self paced learning, with a series of required questions/answers.  An overview exercise assignment with documentation of procedures and outcomes is required.

Course Outline

Vector Analysis
Geocoding
Network Analysis
Raster Analysis
Suitability Modeler
AGOL Analysis
Project Work

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

Late Work: Late assignments are accepted at the discretion of the instructor. If accepted, they may be penalized up to 5% per day (i.e., worth zero after 20 days) and return time may be impacted.

Makeup Work Policy: Technical difficulties are not acceptable excuses for missing due dates for quizzes, tests, and tasks unless the school or regional network is down for a prolonged period. If you encounter technical difficulties when taking a test, please contact me directly. If you experience a prolonged absence from school due to illness or personal situation, please let me know.

Attendance Policy

Attendance: Students are responsible for all material covered in each module, even if their absences are excused (see SUU Policy #6.30). It is each student’s responsibility to arrange with the instructor to complete missed material during excused absences. Upon request, students will be provided an opportunity to complete any missed work due to an excused absence.

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.