GEOG 335 – Computer Cartography

Section 001, 3  Credits

Fall 2008

Instructor: Dr. Arthur J. Lembo, Jr.

Office: Henson Hall 157H

Office Hours: M,W,F 9:00-11:00am; (also by appointment)

Phone: 410-677-0140

E-mail: ajlembo@salisbury.edu

Class Meetings: MW 3 – 4:15 p.m. Henson Hall 153

Course Description: This course will introduce the basics of programming and their applications in geographic research.  This will focus primarily on writing SQL statements and VBScript programs with a commercial GIS.  After finishing this class, students are expected to be able to write their own programs to automate geographic tasks.

Text:  We will be using a freely available text on the Internet called “Teach Yourself VBScript in 21 Days”.  The url is http://tinyurl.com/2mlkf6.  Additionally, ALL students must have access to headphones, and bring them to class as we will have numerous video exercises to work through in class.  The reasons for the video exercises are due to a much more rapid pace of learning. 

Exams: This course has a total of two exams, 4 quizzes, and numerous work projects during the semester, in addition to a final programming project.  Each exam is worth 20 points, each quiz is worth 5 points, each work project is worth 1 point, and the final project is worth 25 points (a total of 100 points). 

Special note on projects: Each student will select a simple programming project to complete.  You may ask your professor or other faculty in the Department of University about an interesting geographic problem they would like automated.  Students will submit a one-page description of the project they want to complete.  Students may work on the projects in class during the week of November 24^th.  During that time, they will be able to receive assistance from the instructor.  However, it is anticipated that the projects will also require some out-of-class time as well.  During the last week of class, students will give a 10 minute presentation of their project.  Details will follow in class.

Expectations and Responsibilities:  Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of computer systems and data processing methods using both Windows XP or similar windows-based systems and command line operations similar to that found in older DOS-based programs. Students should be able to communicate with the instructor using electronic mail, and to access and search the Internet for data and information relevant to the course. A working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is helpful.

A major responsibility of the instructors is to promote an active learning environment in the course which requires instructors and students to be motivated, participatory, and communicative. Lecture assignments, quizzes, and exams are designed to be conducted independently. Instructors and students are expected to adhere to Salisbury University's code of academic integrity.

Students with special needs: Students with special needs (i.e. untimed tests, etc.) must contact the Vice President of Student Affairs (3-6082) for the appropriate documentation. For students who need special arrangements for taking exams, you must bring me a letter at least 1 week before the first exam.

Attendance: Attending class is important.  Coming to class, paying attention and taking notes is the best way to learn the course material.  Most lectures will come from the textbook, but some material will only be presented in class. 

Classroom Environment: Students are expected to contribute to an environment appropriate for learning that considers and respects the needs and rights of others.  Any academic misconduct will be confronted and handled accordingly.  Please silence all electronic devices while in class.  Do not arrive late and do not leave early.

Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.  Students should pay special attention to the expectations discussed in the 2005-2006 Student Handbook and 2005-2007 University Catalog.  Violating these rules will result in significant grade penalties up to and including a failing grade for the course.  Extreme cases of academic misconduct can result in expulsion from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum: All writing assignments, both formal and informal, are in support of Salisbury University’s Writing Across the Curriculum Program.

Important University Dates for Fall

Last day to drop/add –  September 8

Last day to withdraw from course to receive a “W” – November 7

Changes to Syllabus: This syllabus may be modified or changed by the instructor as necessary. Students will be notified of the changes in class.

Approximate Schedule – Computer Assisted Cartography – Fall 2008

Week	Topic	Reading/Exercises
Wednesday, September 03, 2008	Course Introduction, discussion of programming languages: VBScript, C#, VB, examples
Monday, September 08, 2008	Procedural vs. event based programming, forms driven programming, the software lifecycle, program design, pair programming, errors
Wednesday, September 10, 2008	Algorithms, Work Project: create WSH "hello world", "tempconvert"	Introduction , Projects, Interface
Monday, September 15, 2008	Quiz #1: (short VBScript program). Manifold overview: panes, import/export, toolbars	Components, All drawing videos
Wednesday, September 17, 2008	Manifold overview: components, drawings, maps, tables, projections	Maps, Tables, Query toolbar
Monday, September 22, 2008	Quiz #2: using Manifold. SQL Introduction.	SQL Video
Wednesday, September 24, 2008	SQL Statements
Monday, September 29, 2008	SQL Expressions: generic, numeric, string SQL Lab: creating tables and altering data with SQL
Wednesday, October 01, 2008	SQL Clauses
Monday, October 06, 2008	SQL and Vector operations
Wednesday, October 08, 2008	Quiz #3: Vector operations SQL and Raster operations
Monday, October 13, 2008	SQL and Geocoding SQL and Coordinate Systems Algorithm evaluation (Denton example – spatial extensions - Advanced)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008	SQL Lab: SQL and GIS Functions
Monday, October 20, 2008	Midterm - SQL, VBScript
Wednesday, October 22, 2008	VBScript - data types and variables, operators and strings	21 Days – Day 2, Day 4
Monday, October 27, 2008	VBScript - arrays, objects, functions, looping; Project overview	21 Days - Day 5
Wednesday, October 29, 2008	VBScript - conditional statements, finding code to do the job	21 Days – Day 6
Monday, November 03, 2008	Manifold object model overview: components, drawings, tables, surfaces	Video:  overview of object model, Part II – Components Video: Part II – Drawings,  Part II – Tables, Part II – Surfaces
Wednesday, November 05, 2008	More components: map, analyzer, query	Video:  Part II – Map, Part II – Analyzer, Part II – Query Video: Part III – Coordinate System Script,
Monday, November 10, 2008	More components: geocoding, network analysis
Wednesday, November 12, 2008	Form programming
Monday, November 17, 2008	Integrating ActiveX with VBScript	21 Days - Day 6 Video: Part IV - Active X
Wednesday, November 19, 2008	VBScript and SQL	Video: Compute Distances
Monday, November 24, 2008	Work on projects
Wednesday, November 26, 2008	No Class (Thanksgiving Break)
Monday, December 01, 2008	Work on projects
Wednesday, December 03, 2008	Work on projects
Monday, December 08, 2008	Project presentations
Wednesday, December 10, 2008	Project presentations

FINAL EXAM: TUES. DECEMBER 16. 1:30 – 4:00.