Advanced Terrain and Cost Analysis

This capstone unit integrates raster and vector spatial analysis to produce least-cost routes, cost surfaces, and hydrologic and terrain models using DEMs, TINs, and Spatial Analyst tools. Students will also manage and normalize geodatabase feature classes, acquire and evaluate external GIS datasets, and produce professional map layouts and summaries for decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and construct cost surfaces and associated direction and allocation rasters, and compute least-cost paths between locations using Euclidean and cost-distance methods
• Apply DEM, TIN, contour, and terrain datasets to model elevation-based phenomena (including hydrology) and generate derivative products such as contour lines, slopes, and flow accumulation
• Demonstrate geodatabase management skills by creating and editing feature classes, normalizing attribute data, converting formats (e.g., spreadsheets, coverages, shapefiles), and assessing dataset applicability from sources like TIGER and the U.S. Census
• Evaluate and communicate analysis results by producing clear map layouts, charts, summaries, and documentation that justify workflow choices and data limitations