American River College
Earth Science
Dale van Dam
4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento, CA 95841
916-484-8638
vandamd@arc.losrios.cc.ca.us
Degree and Certificate Requirements in Geographic Information Systems.
This program is for a GIS Certificate with an AA or AS degree, or as a stand-alone GIS
Certificate.
Requirements for Degree Major: 33-37 Units
Core Requirements (at least 17-18 units):
Geography 9: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
(4)
Computer Information Science 12A: Electronic spreadsheets (1)
Computer Information Science 13A:Database Management (1)
Design Technology 66: Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design
(CADD)(2)
Plus any three of the following courses:
Anthropology 3: Intro to Archeology and World Prehistory (3)
Biology 5: Survey of Biology (4)
Biology 12: The Foundations of Biology(3)
Biology 18: Conservation Biology (3)
Business 20: Introduction to Business (3)
Business 61: Principles of Marketing (3)
Chemistry 7: Environmental Chemistry (3)
Fire Technology 1: Introduction to Fire Technology (3)
Forestry 1: Introduction to Forestry (3)
Forestry 2: Principles of Ecology (3)
Forestry 3: Introduction to Wildlife Biology (3)
Geography 1: Elements of Physical Geography (3)
Geology 1: Physical Geology (3)
Geology 8: Earth Science (3)
Physical Science 1: Introduction to Physical Science (3)
Real Estate 19: Principles of Real Estate (3)
Concentration Requirements (at least 16-18 units):
Geography 20: Cartographic Design for GIS (3)
Geography 22: Database Design and Management in GIS (3)
Geography 23: Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS (3)
Geography 25a: Introduction to ArcView GIS (1) [Being revised to 2 units]
Geography 25b: Intermediate ArcView GIS (1) [Being revised to 2 units]
Geography 25c: Introduction to Avenue (1)
Geography 26: Data Acquisition in GIS (1)
Geography 48: GIS Work Experience/Special Projects(1-3)
Requirements for Certificate (at least 26-29 units):
Geography 9: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
(4)
Geography 20: Cartographic Design for GIS (3)
Geography 22: Database Design and Management in GIS (3)
Geography 23: Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS (3)
Geography 24: Introduction to ArcInfo GIS (4) [pending curriculum approval]
Geography 25a: Introduction to ArcView GIS (1) [Being revised to 2 units]
Geography 25b: Intermediate ArcView GIS (1) [Being revised to 2 units]
Geography 25c: Introduction to Avenue (1)
Geography 26: Data Acquisition in GIS (3)
Geography 48: GIS Work Experience/Special Projects (1-3)
Design Technology 66: Intro to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)(2)
Computer Information Science 12A: Electronic spreadsheets (1)
Computer Information Science 13A: Database Management (1)
Computer Information Science electives:
CIS 15A: Presentation Graphics (1)
CIS 37: Database Programming (3)
CIS 38: Programming in Visual Basic (4)
CIS 39: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (4)
Geographic Information System Course Descriptions:
Geography 9
Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems (4 Units)
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based data
processing tool used to manage and analyze spatial information. There are many applications
for GIS, including environmental assessment, analysis of natural hazards, site analysis for
business and industry, criminal justice, real estate, location analysis, resource
management, and land-use planning. This course introduces students to the tools and
techniques of GIS including spatial data capture, management, and analysis, as well as
cartographic output through hands-on experience using GIS software. Emphasis is placed on
training in the use of technology and software in order to provide students with skills and
a conceptual base on which they can build further expertise in GIS.
Geography 20
Cartographic Design for GIS
(3 Units)
The principal product of a completed GIS project is a map. This course
provides a comprehensive study of GIS applicable cartography including cartographic
principals, data acquisition methods used in map production, and methods of base map
development. The course includes the study of cartography to include history, map
projections, map scale, types of thematic maps, and map accuracy. Techniques used in GIS
base map development (scanning, digitizing, and coordinate geometry) are introduced using
hands-on exercises. The course includes the production and presentation techniques of
professional quality maps and work in computer-assisted mapping projects.
Geography 22
Database Design and Management in GIS
(3 Units)
This course examines the principles of database design and management
including conversion fundamentals, modeling techniques, and strategic planning. The needs,
alternatives, and pitfalls of database development and conversion are discussed. In
addition, the course includes the examination of various types of data applicable to GIS
and examines relevant issues including hardware and software requirements. Particular
attention is paid to determining an appropriate methodology, developing a conversion plan,
and obtaining data quality assurance. Included are hands-on practical exercises in database
management skills.
Geography 23
Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS
(3 Units)
This course provides a general survey of the fundamentals of spatial
information systems and a survey of quantitative techniques applicable to spatial data.
Geography 23 is focused on the functionality of GIS as an effective tool for modeling and
analyzing complex spatial relationships. Quantitative methods, including measures of
central tendency, dispersion, and density are discussed. Application of such methods are
presented using empirical data.
Geography 24
Introduction to ArcInfo GIS
(4 Units)
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based data
processing tool used to manage and analyze spatial information. This course provides a
working knowledge of the comprehensive ArcInfo GIS software. Topics include creating and
editing spatial data using ArcEdit, producing map displays using ArcPlot, working with
attribute data, and the basics of AML programming. Emphasis is placed on training in the
use of technology and software in order to provide students with skills and a conceptual
base on which they can build further expertise in GIS.
Geography 25a
Introduction to ArcView GIS
(2 Units) [Now being revised to a 2 unit, nine week module]
This course provides the foundation for developing a geographic
information system using ArcView GIS software and provides a conceptual overview and the
hands-on experience needed to take advantage of ArcView’s display, analysis, and
presentation mapping functions. Students learn basic ArcView functionality and become
familiar with the components of the ArcView graphical user interface (GUI).
Geography 25b
Intermediate ArcView GIS
(2Units)[Now being revised to a 2 unit, nine week module]
This course provides the opportunity to utilize ArcView software’s
advanced capabilities in analyzing spatial relationships in GIS. The course also introduces
students to ArcView’s Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst extensions which increase
the functionality and analytical power of the software in producing a GIS.
Geography 25c
Introduction to Avenue
(1 Unit)
Avenue is the programming language used to modify and customize the
ArcView GUI in developing a GIS. This course provides the opportunity to utilize
Avenue’s attributes in order to customize the way ArcView looks, modify
ArcView’s tools, create new tools, and integrate ArcView with other applications and
introduction to this important ArcView tool.
Geography 26
Data Acquisition in GIS
(3 Units)
This course provides students with the knowledge and practical
experience necessary to develop skills in the acquisition, management, conversion,
analysis, and creation of spatial data. Topics include acquisition of existing data sets,
data format conversion, and acquisition of data from remote sensing sources and the global
positioning system (GPS), an integral part of the development and implementation of
geographic information systems.
Geography 48
GIS Work Experience
(1-3 Units)
A directed field study program which provides students with an
opportunity to apply GIS skills acquired in the classroom to real-world projects in the
community. Students are under the supervision of an advisor from the GIS faculty while
participating in a short-term experience program in a business or government agency.
If you would like to download the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file, click
here.
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