Module 3 - Mappable Data

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the difference between phenomena and data
2. List several data layers used in GIS
3. Define primary data sources
4. Define secondary data sources
5. List several common sources of data
6. Compare and contrast raster and vector data
7. Define qualitative data
8. Define quantitative data
9. Describe how data are commonly transformed before being mapped
10. List the several types of accuracy associated with data and maps
11. Define metadata
12. List several things metadata tells us
13. Create a simple 3D model of a building using Google SketchUp

TERMS TO KNOW

• phenomena
• data
• primary data
• secondary data
• raster
• vector
• quantitative
• qualitative
• accuracy
• metadata

READING ASSIGNMENT

1. Chapter 3 of your text - MakingMaps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
2. Why bother with metadata? - Federal Geographic Data Committee

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

• required software: Download Google SketchUp

Last week you explored several videos demonstrating Google SketchUp. This week your assignemnt i to use Google SketchUp to create a 3d model of your house. If you don't want to draw your house, draw your neighbors or someones house that you like.

Review the video demonstrations and tutorials if you need help doing something.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Give an example of a real-world phenomena and how data can be used to show it on a map (don't use an example from the book).
2. Describe some of the possible inherent problems when using data from different sources.
3. Compare and contrast 2 types of data used in GIS.
4. Compare and contrast vector and raster data.
5. How are qualitative and quantitative data different? Give an example of both.
6. Discuss some of the different important aspects of accuracy you should investigate when choosing a data source.
7. What are some of the important pieces of information you might hope to gain from metadata?
8. As a data producer, why might you spend the time to create metadata?
9. Export an image of the 3D model of your house in SketchUp and put it in your Assignment Document.
   

ONE MORE THING ...

We'll be working with Adobe Photoshop at the end of the semester and you need to order the 30 day evaluation version from Adobe. It takes up to 4 weeks for the DVD's to be delivered so please fill out this easy online form now!

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/cs2eval.html