Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

This past semester I took ILS 250 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS).  Before taking this class, I knew that GIS was “important to the field” and that it involved maps but that is about it.  Throughout this class I learned how GIS can be used and how to use it myself.  ILS 250 meets twice a week once for a 50-minute recitation and again for a 3 hour lab.

The recitation portion of the class was a lecture where we learned about different GIS topics like vector vs. raster data and geocoding.  These recitations were helpful as they taught important skills about GIS and identifying GIS properties.  This was interesting because we got to learn more than just how to use the software. 

The lab portion of the class started with a lecture or review of past assignments.  This was helpful if you missed any points on an assignment and needed a tutorial of how to complete it correctly.  After this review a new lab assignment would open.  A lab assignment consisted of a step-by-step instruction manual that guided you through completing the lab using the ARCGIS pro software.  The lab assignment would have questions imbedded throughout the instructions to answer.  At the end of most lab assignments, we would create a map and imbed it in the lab assignment.  These maps were always fun to make at the end of the assignment and showed off the new skills learned during the lab.  We would typically have 1.5-2 hours during the lab section to complete the lab, but labs were not due until the next week, so they don’t need to be completed during the lab section.  Labs are individual but I was able to finish most labs during the lab session.


This past semester I took ILS 250 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS).  Before taking this class, I knew that GIS was “important to the field” and that it involved maps but that is about it.  Throughout this class I learned how GIS can be used and how to use it myself.  ILS 250 meets twice a week once for a 50-minute recitation and again for a 3 hour lab.

The recitation portion of the class was a lecture where we learned about different GIS topics like vector vs. raster data and geocoding.  These recitations were helpful as they taught important skills about GIS and identifying GIS properties.  This was interesting because we got to learn more than just how to use the software. 

The lab portion of the class started with a lecture or review of past assignments.  This was helpful if you missed any points on an assignment and needed a tutorial of how to complete it correctly.  After this review a new lab assignment would open.  A lab assignment consisted of a step-by-step instruction manual that guided you through completing the lab using the ARCGIS pro software.  The lab assignment would have questions imbedded throughout the instructions to answer.  At the end of most lab assignments, we would create a map and imbed it in the lab assignment.  These maps were always fun to make at the end of the assignment and showed off the new skills learned during the lab.  We would typically have 1.5-2 hours during the lab section to complete the lab, but labs were not due until the next week, so they don’t need to be completed during the lab section.  Labs are individual but I was able to finish most labs during the lab session.