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 Master Program in Agriculture/Graduate 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 problemsrelated 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.Professional agricultural knowledge
3.Logic/ data collection and analysis
4.Using English as the means for communication
5.Global Perspective
40
40
10
10
Discussion
Lecturing
Other
Practicum
Exercises
topic Discussion/Production
Other
Quiz
Assignment
Oral Presentation
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):
Problem solving and decision making in scientific studies; Current trends of GIS applications and spatial analysis
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, data sources and related applications:
(1)Introduction to GIS software or related applications (e.g., google my maps app vs.. Poke’mon)
(2)Installation and operations of spatial analytical software (e.g., Google Earth)
(3)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 Introduction of Digital Elevation Model (DEM)and Point Data (e.g.,Drawing a contour map around Mt Everest Area);
Module 2: Working with Point Dataset, Terrain Data and Raster Imagery (I) (Hand-on practice)
Week 8 Module 2: Working with Point Dataset, Terrain Data and Raster Imagery (II) (Hand-on practice);
Mid-term review section
Week 9 Mid-term Exam (Online exam using NCHU iLearning)
Week 10 DEM data and other spatial datasets of Taiwan;

In-class Discussion: Overview of spatial analysis and/or GIS applications in real-world issues (Tentative)
Week 11 Module 3: Feature Geometry Calculation, Attribute Statistics, and Feature Clipping (Hand-on
practice)
Week 12 Geo-referencing functions in GIS and its applications;

In-class Activity: ”Working on Taiwan’s Spatial Data” Challenges(Tentative)
Week 13 Module 4: Spatial Features and Data Analysis (Hand-on practice)
Week 14 Final Project Instruction

In-class Discussion: Topic of final project
Week 15 Final Project Development

*Field trip or outdoor section may be held on Week 15 or Week 17
Week 16 Final Project Presentation
Week 17 Self-Learning Week: Completing the post-project self-assessment

*Field trip or outdoor section may be held on Week 15 or Week 17
Week 18 Self-Learning Week: Reading assigned supplementary materials
Evaluation
Assignment/Module Practices: 35%; Mid-Term Exam:25%; Final Project: 25% (Oral presentation: 15% + Self-assessment:10%); In-class Performance(e.g., discussion, in-class exercise, quiz, etc.):15%
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://lms.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
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
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please respect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day:2025/02/12 20:53:26 Printed Date, year/month/day:2025 / 2 / 16
The second-hand book website:http://www.myub.com.tw/