340.696.81
Spatial Analysis I: ArcGIS
Location
Internet
Term
1st Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Tim Shields
Contact Email
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
None
The basis of any public health study is knowledge of where people and impediments to health intersect. These impediments include, but are not limited to disease, injury, nutrition, and access to care, just to name a few. The process of mapping is key to integrating these place-based data. At times this process helps elucidate the determinants and enablers of these public health risks and often helps in determining where to focus interventions. This course we will illustrate the importance of GIS, in conjunction with spatial statistics, in performing spatial analysis for public health.
Examines the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcGIS Pro) as a tool for integrating, manipulating, and displaying public health-related spatial data. Covers mapping, geocoding, and manipulations related to data structures and topology. Introduces the spatial science paradigm: Spatial Data, GIS, and Spatial Statistics. Uses selected case studies to demonstrate concepts along this paradigm. Focuses on using GIS to generate and refine hypotheses about public health-related spatial data in preparation for a formal statistical analysis. Discusses topics related to spatial statistical modeling throughout (although not a required part of the curriculum). Includes both lecture and lab formats with GIS concepts and software-specific details demonstrated during the lab portions.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Conduct GIS spatial analysis by inputting, manipulating, querying, and displaying spatial data with use of the ArcGIS software
- Perform Geocoding and create appropriate maps for the different kinds of spatial data
- Create and critique maps appropriate for addressing public health related objectives
- Identify the key differences between a GIS spatial analysis and a spatial statistical analysis
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 5% Participation
- 5% Quizzes
- 65% Lab Assignments
- 25% Final Project
Jointly Offered With
The use of personal laptops to follow along is required.