Spatial Education and Integrated Hands-on Training: Essential Foundations of GIS Instruction

Abstract

Abstract Instructional approaches in the spatial sciences of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and computer cartography are becoming more integrated because of their redundant requirements in theoretical education and hands-on training. A common set of conceptual issues and topical priorities was established for a newly developed course, “Spatial Data Representation and Display.” The course is organized under the major headings of data acquisition, data encoding and storage, data display, and data analysis, and encompasses issues that serve as spatial foundations for the more advanced GIS, remote sensing, and computer cartography courses. Hands-on experiences in satellite image processing, GIS analysis, and data output are conducted on laboratory facilities developed or adapted for instructional student opportunities. Hardware configurations and software systems used to accommodate the spatial training are presented, as well as the theoretical issues and topical areas covered through the cou...