GISI Foundation study plan

Define vector, raster, and attribute data models in your own words and give two realistic use cases for each

Classify ten sample datasets by geometry type, dimension, and scale (nominal through ratio) with written justification

Explain how topology, spatial relationships, and spatial indexing affect query performance in at least five worked examples

Distinguish GIS from CAD, remote sensing, and web mapping by listing the core capabilities unique to each

Compare shapefile, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and file geodatabase on geometry support, attribute limits, indexing, and portability in a written matrix

Design a normalized schema with at least three tables for a realistic asset-inventory dataset, including primary and foreign keys

Write five SQL queries that join attribute tables and filter by spatial predicate, and explain the expected result of each

Describe how spatial indexes such as R-trees and quadtrees reduce candidate features before exact geometry tests

Explain geographic versus projected coordinate systems and identify when each is appropriate

Convert coordinates between decimal degrees and degrees-minutes-seconds for at least six sample points without error

Compare conformal, equal-area, equidistant, and compromise projections by distortion property and give one suitable use per class

Select and justify a projected CRS for three scenarios: a national land-cover map, a city utility network, and a polar research study

Diagnose datum-shift error by computing the approximate offset between two datums at a given latitude and longitude

Execute overlay operations (intersect, union, clip, erase) on sample layers and document how each changes geometry and attributes

Perform buffer, dissolve, and spatial join workflows and verify outputs against hand-checked counts

Apply selection by location and by attribute to answer three spatial questions and record the query logic used

Explain how spatial autocorrelation and the modifiable areal unit problem can bias an analysis conclusion

Compute slope, aspect, and hillshade from a sample elevation raster and interpret what each output represents

Run a suitability analysis combining at least three weighted criteria and justify the weights chosen

Compare interpolation methods such as IDW and kriging by assumption, input needs, and output behavior

Interpret z-scores and p-values from a hot-spot analysis and state what the result does and does not prove

Design a map layout that applies visual hierarchy, figure-ground contrast, and appropriate label placement

Choose classification schemes (equal interval, quantile, natural breaks) for the same dataset and explain how each changes the message

Select color ramps that remain readable for color-vision-deficient viewers and document the choice

Write a complete map including title, legend, scale bar, north arrow, source note, and projection statement

Identify and correct at least eight data quality defects (slivers, gaps, duplicates, invalid geometry, outliers) in a sample dataset

Write metadata for a dataset that covers lineage, positional and attribute accuracy, currency, and access constraints

Apply topology rules to enforce at least three integrity constraints and verify violations are caught

Explain how FGDC, ISO 19115, and OGC standards differ in scope and where each is typically required

Draft a project workflow from requirements gathering through data acquisition, analysis, QA, delivery, and archival

Analyze three ethics scenarios involving privacy, sensitive locations, or data misrepresentation and state the defensible action for each

Review the full syllabus, list weak areas from earlier weeks, and build a targeted review checklist

Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and log every missed question by domain