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3.12. Geographic Information Systems (SIG)

This knowledge area covers the capture, storage, analysis, and application of spatial data in a geographic information system: GIS data models, spatial analysis and geoprocessing, data acquisition and integration, and GIS applications in civil engineering.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
3.12.1 GIS Fundamentals and Data Models	Elective
3.12.2 Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing	Elective
3.12.3 GIS Data Acquisition and Integration	Elective
3.12.4 GIS Applications in Civil Engineering	Elective

3.12.1. SIG/GIS Fundamentals and Data Models ↑ Back to top

Vector and raster spatial data models, spatial database structure, coordinate reference system handling, and attribute data management within a GIS.
Topics:
Core

• Vector data model: points, lines, and polygons, and topology
• Raster data model: cell size, resolution, and raster-vector tradeoffs
• Spatial database structure and spatial indexing
• Coordinate reference system handling and on-the-fly reprojection in a GIS
• Attribute data management and relational joins

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Distinguish vector from raster data models and select the appropriate one for a given dataset [Familiarity]
2. Build a topologically correct vector dataset in a GIS [Usage]
3. Design a spatial database schema for a GIS project [Assessment]
4. Manage coordinate reference systems and reprojection within a GIS project [Usage]
5. Join attribute data to spatial features using relational joins [Usage]

3.12.2. SIG/Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing ↑ Back to top

Overlay, proximity, network, and terrain analysis geoprocessing operations, and the spatial interpolation methods used to generate continuous surfaces from sample data.
Topics:
Core

• Overlay analysis: intersection, union, and spatial join operations
• Buffer and proximity analysis
• Network analysis: shortest path, service areas, and allocation
• Terrain analysis from a raster DEM: slope, aspect, and watershed delineation
• Spatial interpolation methods for generating continuous surfaces from sample data

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Perform overlay analysis to combine multiple spatial datasets [Usage]
2. Conduct a buffer/proximity analysis for a siting or impact study [Assessment]
3. Solve a network analysis problem (shortest path, service area, or allocation) [Usage]
4. Derive slope, aspect, and watershed boundaries from a raster DEM [Assessment]
5. Interpolate a continuous surface from point sample data [Usage]

3.12.3. SIG/GIS Data Acquisition and Integration ↑ Back to top

Methods for capturing and integrating field, GNSS, and remote sensing data into a GIS, and the data quality and metadata practices required for reliable spatial analysis.
Topics:
Core

• Field data capture methods: digitizing, heads-up capture, and mobile GIS
• Integration of GNSS-collected data into a GIS
• Integration of remote sensing imagery and derived products into a GIS
• Data quality standards: positional accuracy, completeness, and lineage
• Spatial data metadata documentation standards

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Capture field data into a GIS using digitizing or mobile GIS tools [Usage]
2. Integrate GNSS-collected data into a GIS dataset [Assessment]
3. Integrate remote sensing-derived products into a GIS analysis [Usage]
4. Evaluate a spatial dataset against applicable data quality standards [Assessment]
5. Document a spatial dataset's metadata following a recognized standard [Familiarity]

3.12.4. SIG/GIS Applications in Civil Engineering ↑ Back to top

Application of GIS to infrastructure asset mapping, land use and environmental analysis, web GIS and spatial data infrastructure, and GIS-based decision support for civil engineering projects.
Topics:
Core

• Infrastructure asset mapping and inventory in a GIS
• Land use and environmental analysis using GIS
• Web GIS and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for data sharing
• GIS-based decision support and multi-criteria site selection
• Design of a GIS project workflow from data acquisition to final product

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Build an infrastructure asset inventory in a GIS [Usage]
2. Analyze land use or environmental conditions using GIS layers [Assessment]
3. Publish a dataset through a web GIS or spatial data infrastructure [Usage]
4. Support a site-selection decision using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis [Assessment]
5. Design an end-to-end GIS project workflow for a civil engineering application [Assessment]