NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 地理資訊系統概論(5115)
(Eng.) Introduction of Geographic Information System
Offering Dept International Master Program in Agriculture
Course Type Elective Credits 3 Teacher Szu-Hung Chen
Department International Bachelor Program in Agribusiness/Undergraduate Language English Semester 2025-SPRING
Course Description # This course will focus on introducing students how they can apply geographic information system (GIS) technology to analyze target issues, such as problems related to natural resource management. Topics covered include introduction to operate GIS software (e.g., QGIS), identifying and understanding "big data" or "cloud datasets" with spatial information, the formulation of the analyzing framework, GIS application for solving the problems, and also other toolkits such as Google Earth, MS Excel, MS Access (data management) may be introduced and used to aim the analysis.

# Parts of this course will require to hand-on practices using computers. Thus, students are expected to bring their own laptops to the classroom. Also, the operating software will function better under Window operating system. Using a laptop with window operating system is highly recommended.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
For general outcomes, students are expected to
learn :
(1) Identify data needs relating to target issues and appropriate processing framework in the context of a GIS project.
(2) Formulate and assess spatial models and their applicability for solving problems.
(3) Design maps based on cartographic principles as a form of visual communication.
(4) Develop a reasonable executing plan and timelines to lead to the desired project outcome.
(5) Represent the recognition regarding the responsibility of adhering to ethical standards in decision‐making on behalf of clients and the public.
(6) Interpret the analyzing findings and deliver a technical report outlining problems and suggesting potential solutions.
For specific outcomes, students are expected to write up and present a project proposal as the final project in the context of GIS and/or spatial analysis as a professional practicum.
1.Basic knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture
2.Basic knowledge and skills in agribusiness
3.Awareness of international situations and global service
4.Using English as the means for communication
5.Service-orientated entrepreneurship
20
20
20
20
20
topic Discussion/Production
Networking/Distance Education
Exercises
Discussion
Practicum
Other
Lecturing
Written Presentation
Oral Presentation
Assignment
Study Outcome
Quiz
Other
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 Introduction (I):
General Introduction to the Course; Definition of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)and spatial analysis
Week 2 Introduction (II):
Current trends of GIS applications and spatial analysis; Problem solving and decision making in scientific studies
Week 3 Background Knowledge: Fundamentals of datum, map project and coordinate systems (I)
Week 4 Background Knowledge: Fundamentals of datum, map project and coordinate systems (II)
Week 5 GIS Software and related applications:
(1)Introdution to GIS software or related applications (e.g., google my maps app v.s. Poke’mon)
(2)Installation and Operations of GIS software (QGIS, Google Earth)
Week 6 Overview of data sources:
(1)how to search, assess, and using citizen science datasets, exiting could datasets, or big data with GIS/spatial information (公民科學數據庫、大數據或開放式雲端空間數據收集)
(2)Data download and synthesis exercise
Week 7 Module 1: Software Trial (QGIS) and Making A Simple Map (Hand-on practice)
Week 8 Data Types for Spatial Datasets: Vector v.s. Raster;
Introduction of Digital Elevation Model (DEM)and Point Data (e.g.,Significant earthquake records)
Week 9 Module 2: Working with Point Dataset, Terrain Data and Raster Imagery (Hand-on practice)
Week 10 Mid-term review section;
Mid-term Exam (Online exam using NCHU iLearning)
Week 11 DEM data and other spatial datasets of Taiwan;
Overview of spatial analysis functions in GIS software
Week 12 Module 3: Feature Geometry Calculation, Attribute Statistics, and Feature Clipping (Hand-on practice)
Week 13 Geo-referencing functions in GIS and its applications；
Introduction to Module 4
Week 14 Module 4: Spatial Features and Data Analysis (Hand-on practice)
Week 15 Case studies and research projects；
In class discussins:Topics of Final Project
Week 16 Field trip and site investigation practices (戶外教學:田野調查與現地資料收集)
Week 17 Final Project Development
(Self-Learning Week)
Week 18 Final Project Presentation
Evaluation
Mid-Term Exam:20%; Assignment/Module Practices: 40%; In-class Performance(e.g., in-class participation):10%, Final Project Report: 10%; Final Project Presentation: 20%
Textbook & other References
Class handouts and a list of assigned readings provided by the instructor through NCHU iLeaning.
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
All class materials can be accessed through NCHU iLearning. NCHU iLearning may also be used to conduct parts of class assessments, to submit course assignments, to broadcast announcements, and to distribute class materials.
It can be accessed via NCHU iLearning Portal (https://lms2020.nchu.edu.tw/ ) or NCHU Single Sign On System.
Office Hours
By appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
03.Good Health and Well-Being   04.Quality Education   05.Gender Equality   09.Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure   11.Sustainable Cities and Communities   13.Climate Action   17.Partnerships for the Goalsinclude experience courses：Y
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Update Date, year/month/day：2025/01/13 13:06:14 Printed Date, year/month/day：2025 / 1 / 22
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