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11.205

Introduction to Spatial Analysis and GIS

2-2-2 units · Graduate

An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS): a tool for visualizing and analyzing data representing locations and their attributes. GIS is invaluable for planners, scholars, and professionals who shape cities and a political instrument with which activists advocate for change. Class includes exercises to make maps, query databases, and analyze spatial data. Because maps and data are never neutral, the class incorporates discussions of power, ethics, and data throughout as part of a reflective practice. Limited enrollment; preference to first-year MCP students.

Fall 2019 · Introduction to Spatial Analysis

Geographic Information System (GIS) software manages data that represent the location of features (geographic coordinate data) and what they are like (attribute data); it also provides the ability to query, manipulate, and analyze those data. Because GIS allows one to represent social and environmental data on maps, it is a powerful tool for analysis and planning in various fields. This course is meant to introduce students to the basic capabilities of GIS.

Readings

  • Maantay and Ziegler, GIS for the Urban Environment , Chapter 1
    Listed reading
  • Longley et al., Geographical Information Systems and Science , Chapter 1
    Listed reading
  • Longley et al., Chapter 2
    Listed reading
  • Slocum, et al., Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization , Chapter 1
    Listed reading
  • Maantay and Ziegler, Chapter 4
    Listed reading
  • Krygier and Wood, Making Maps , Chapters 8 and 9
    Listed reading
  • Kurgan, Close Up at a Distance , Chapter 9
    Listed reading
  • Kitchin et al., Rethinking Maps , Chapter 1
    Listed reading
  • Longley et al., Chapter 9
    Listed reading
  • Krygier and Wood, Chapter 3
    Listed reading
  • Maantay and Ziegler, Chapter 6
    Listed reading
  • Peters and MacDonald, Urban Policy and the Census , Chapters 1 and 2 (Chapter 3 optional)
    Listed reading
  • Turner, “Why America’s Schools Have A Money Problem” NPR, 2016
    Listed reading
  • Bloch et al., “Mapping the 2010 U.S. Census”
    Listed reading
  • Monmonier, How to Lie with Maps , Chapter 10
    Listed reading
  • Maantay and Ziegler, Chapter 9
    Listed reading
  • Maantay and Ziegler, Chapter 7
    Listed reading
  • Maantay and Ziegler, Chapters 9 and 12
    Listed reading

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring; first half of term) 2-2-2 units Credit cannot also be received for 11.188

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