Introducing Digital Maps and Image Analysis to Undergraduates in the Field and in the Classroom

Albion学院正在使用位于地质科学系的地理信息系统(GIS)/计算机辅助制图(CAM)实验室，将数字制图和图像分析纳入学院的课程。阿尔比恩有一个强大的地质学项目，包括国家认可的夏季地质野外项目。地理信息系统/计算机辅助制造系统实验室包括使用现代地理信息系统和计算机辅助制造技术创建、处理、分析和显示数字图像所需的设备。这个实验室使学院能够在我们的地质实地项目和校园地质与环境科学课程中做出实质性的、前瞻性的改进。暑期地质野外项目增加了数字野外测绘的入门课程；在项目结束时，学生们将返回阿尔比昂校园，参加为期一周的数字地图创建和使用的强化课程。第二，正在开发两门关于地理信息系统和数字地图的新课程。这门入门课程向包括非理科专业在内的广大学生介绍了地理信息系统和计算机辅助制造的基础知识。第二门课程允许高水平的学生将他们的GIS/CAM技能应用到他们自己的地质和环境研究项目中。最后，新实验室允许修订多达九门现有地质学课程的传统地质学实验室绘图练习和项目，包括定量空间分析入门。这包括高入学率的地质学入门课程，在该课程中，学生可以将地理信息系统/CAM技术应用于现有的测绘项目。该项目是利用最新设备和技术开发更具吸引力的研究型课程的更广泛努力的组成部分。

Albion College is using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Computer Aided Mapping (CAM) laboratory, located in the Department of Geological Sciences, to incorporate digital mapping and image analysis into the College's curriculum. Albion has a strong program in geology, including a nationally recognized summer geology field program. The GIS/CAM laboratory includes the equipment necessary for the creation, manipulation, analysis, and display of digital images using modern GIS and CAM techniques. This laboratory allows the College to make substantial, forward-looking improvements in both our geology field program and the on-campus geology and environmental science curriculum. The summer geology field program is adding an introduction to digital field mapping; at the end of the program students return to the Albion campus for a week-long intensive course on the creation and use of digital maps. Secondly, two new courses on GIS and digital maps are being developed. An introductory level course introduces the fundamentals of GIS and CAM to a broad spectrum of students including non-science majors. The second course allows upper-level students to apply their GIS/CAM skills to their own geological and environmental research projects. Finally, the new laboratory allows the revision of traditional geology laboratory mapping exercises and projects, including an introduction to quantitative spatial analysis, in as many as nine existing geology courses. This includes the high-enrollment Introductory Geology course, in which students can apply GIS/CAM techniques to existing mapping projects. This project is an integral part of a broader effort to develop a more engaging research-oriented curriculum using up-to-date equipment and techniques.