NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 地理資訊系統概論(5115)
(Eng.) Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
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 2026-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 spatial-oriented 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 execution plan and timelines to achieve the desired project outcome.
(5) 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
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20
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Discussion
Lecturing
Other
Exercises
topic Discussion/Production
Other
Quiz
Assignment
Oral Presentation
Written Presentation
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 Introduction to GIS (I):
# General Introduction to the Course;
# Definition of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)and its components
Week 2 Introduction to GIS (II):
# Problem solving and decision making in scientific studies;
# Example: Role of GIS in modeling, resources management and planning
Week 3 Introduction to GIS (III):
# A general framework for problem-solving in GIS
Week 4 Fundamental Knowledge and Concepts(I):
# Fundamentals of datum, map projection and coordinate systems
# The nature of spatial data
Week 5 Fundamental Knowledge and Concepts(II):
# Introduction to GIS software or related applications (e.g., google my maps app vs.. Poke’mon)
# Installation and operations of spatial analytical software (e.g., Google Earth)
# Overview of data sources, including 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)
Week 6 Module 1: Software Trial (QGIS) and Making A Simple Map (Hand-on practice);
# Data types for spatial datasets: Vector vs. Raster
Week 7 Make-up holiday for University Anniversary and Annual Sports Meet
Week 8 Mid-term Review Section (1 hours)
Mid-term Exam (Online exam using NCHU iLearning)
Week 9 Module 2: Working with Point Dataset, Terrain Data and Raster Imagery (I) (Hand-on practice)
# Introduction of Digital Elevation Model (DEM)and Point Data (e.g.,Drawing a contour map around Mt Everest Area)
Week 10 Module 2: Working with Point Dataset, Terrain Data and Raster Imagery (II) (Hand-on practice)
# Exercise:DEM data and other spatial datasets of Taiwan
Week 11 Module 3: Feature Geometry Calculation, Attribute Statistics, and Feature Clipping (Hand-on
practice)
Week 12 Spatial data manipulation, extraction, integration and its applications

In-class Activity: ”Working on Taiwan’s Spatial Data” Challenges(Tentative)
Week 13 Final Project Instruction and Group Development

In-class Discussion: Topic of final project
Week 14 Module 4: Spatial Features and Data Analysis (Hand-on practice)
Week 15 Final Project Development

*Field trip or outdoor section may be held on the weekends of Week 15 or Week 16
Week 16 Final Project Presentation
Post-project self-reflection report (Individual)

*Field trip or outdoor section may be held on the weekends of Week 15 or Week 16
self-directed
learning		    02.Viewing multimedia materials related to industry and academia.
   03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.
Evaluation
Assignments (Module Practice): 30%; Mid-Term Exam:25%; Final Project: 25% (Oral presentation: 15% + Self-assessment:10%); In-class Performance(e.g., discussion, in-class exercise, quiz, etc.):20%
Textbook & other References
Class handouts will be provided by the instructor through NCHU iLeaning.
Reference:
# Zhu, X. (2024). Geographical Information Systems: A Practical Approach (2nd ed.). Routledge, New York, USA.
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.
Teaching methods include:
(1) Previewing and reviewing course materials.
(2)Hand-on practicing on modules and completing relating assessments.
(3)Developing a final project in a context of GIS applications and/or spatial analysis.
(4)Bonus assignments or random quiz may be given when needed.
Office Hours
By appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL)
04.Quality Education   09.Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure   11.Sustainable Cities and Communities   13.Climate Action   14.Life Below Water   15.Life On Landinclude experience courses：Y
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Update Date, year/month/day：2026/02/07 14:17:50 Printed Date, year/month/day：2026 / 3 / 10
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