Courses - Don Boyes

Please note that, due to my current duties as Associate Dean, Teaching & Learning and Director of the Arts & Science Online Learning Academy, I will not be teaching in the 2023-24 school year.

Information about my Coursera courses can be found here.

GGR272 Geographic Information and Mapping I

This course is an introduction to digital mapping and spatial analysis using a geographic information system (GIS). You will learn how to create your own maps and how to use a GIS to analyze geographic problems using methods that can be applied to a wide variety of subject areas within geography and in other disciplines. In the lectures, we discuss mapping and analysis concepts and how you can apply them using GIS software. The practical assignments provide an opportunity for you to learn how to use the software, gaining hands-on experience with ArcGIS from Esri Inc., the most popular GIS software and an industry standard in many fields.

There is no prerequisite for this course. A basic familiarity with computers and the Microsoft Windows operating system is assumed.

GGR273 Geographic Information and Mapping II

This course builds on GGR272 (Geographic Information and Mapping I) and continues the examination of the major theoretical and analytical components of a geographic information system and spatial analysis. Some topics from GGR272 are discussed in more depth and new topics are introduced. The lectures discuss underlying theory and its implementation in GIS software. The assignments give students the opportunity to learn for themselves how to put that theory into practice, gaining hands-on experience with ArcGIS Desktop from Esri Inc., the most popular GIS software and an industry standard in many fields.
Prerequisite: GGR272.

GGR373 Advanced GIS

This course covers advanced topics in understanding and using geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn how to use a global positioning system, perform raster analysis, create and analyze three-dimensional surfaces, visualize geospatial data, and perform advanced spatial analysis. The lectures discuss underlying theory and its implementation in GIS software. The assignments give students the opportunity to learn for themselves how to put that theory into practice, gaining hands-on experience with ArcGIS Desktop from Esri Inc., the most popular GIS software and an industry standard in many fields.
Prerequisites: GGR272, GGR273.

GGR462 GIS Research Project (also listed as grad course JPG1914)

Students learn how to design, manage, and complete a research project that emphasizes the use of a geographic information system (GIS). Students work in groups of four to six. Groups will agree with the instructor on a suitable problem and then solve it by acquiring, organizing, and analyzing data using a GIS. Projects must include a substantive analytical component where GIS is central to the methods used.

Although real issues in geographical analysis are addressed, the focus of the course evaluation is on the project’s methodological and organizational design, the application of appropriate GIS techniques, and proper reporting of the results. The GIS component is accomplished through independent work. It is assumed that students already know the GIS concepts and functions required or are capable of learning them, and are proficient in the use of at least one GIS package. This is a time-consuming course that simulates a team-oriented, workplace environment. Students must be highly motivated and able to make progress without constant supervision, manage their time effectively, meet strict deadlines, and be prepared to contribute to their group.

JPG 1914S: Graduate students require permission from the instructor (please contact me before the course begins). A strong GIS background is required (i.e., several GIS courses at the university level; JPG1906 or online training courses are not sufficient preparation). This a project-based course, where students use concepts and skills they have learned in previous courses. This is not an introductory course and is not a substitute for JPG1906. Note: Graduate students are expected to complete a group project. Groups may be composed entirely of graduate students if there are sufficient numbers and common interests. If not (which is usually the case), graduate students will work in a group with undergraduate students, while participating and contributing at a graduate level. Due to the workload in this course, students are not allowed to complete a project on their own.

JPG1906 Geographic Information Systems (graduate course)

The course is designed to accommodate students from a variety of research backgrounds and with no previous GIS experience. The goal is to provide students with a theoretical understanding of spatial data and analysis concepts, and to introduce the practical tools needed to create and manage spatial data, perform spatial analysis, and communicate results using a well-designed map. Successful students will be able to learn new functions on their own and apply what they have learned to their own research.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this course and students should not have taken any previous GIS courses. A basic familiarity with computers and Microsoft Windows is assumed. A general understanding of geography is helpful, but no prior geography courses are required.