Skip to main content.
Historic Preservation Home > Syllabi > 300 Level Courses > HISP 345 Computer Applications in Historic Preservation

UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
HISP 345-01 Computer Applications in Historic Preservation
Spring Semester 2008

Mr. Stanton
TR 9:30-10:45
Combs Hall, 349

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Traditionally, preservationists rely on drawings, photographs, documents, and maps to provide insight into past lifeways, to investigate the built environment, and to study cultural landscapes.  Increasingly, preservationists are taking advantage of technology to help organize, view and understand these sources of information.  This course will provide an introduction to two different types of computer technologies frequently used in this capacity, including computer-assisted documentation (CAD) using AutoCAD® 2004, and using geographic information systems (GIS) with ArcView® 9.x.  Through lecture, hands-on experience and projects, students will explore the possibilities of using technology in the field of Historic Preservation, to provide new means of documenting, interpreting and analyzing cultural resources.

Students successfully completing the course should be able to do the following:

  • Explain basic CAD operations and concepts
  • Create two-dimensional drawings in AutoCAD®, including building floorplans
  • Employ the concept of layers and line weight in AutoCAD®
  • Print drawings or plot drawings for use in publication (paper and electronic)
  • Explain the difference between two and three dimensional drawings in AutoCAD®
  • Create a three dimensional drawing
  • Explain basic geographic information system concepts
  • Use ArcView® desktop GIS
  • Create a project in ArcView®, with existing and created data
  • Incorporate database and CAD information into an ArcView® project

Class Format
Classes will typically begin with a lecture, followed by discussion, and ending with an in-class lab exercise on the computer.  Occasional guest presenters and lecturers will discuss specific applications of these technologies to cultural resource management and historic structures.  This class may also require additional fieldwork to collect data for use in the GIS portion of the class, all other data will be provided for the students.

Course Work
The majority of work in this course will take place on the computers, during the time set aside in class each day.  Additional reading of required texts, and suggested background reading should take place, prior to the class when those materials will be discussed.

Graded Projects
The majority of work in this course will take place on the computers, during the time set aside in class each day.  Additional reading of required texts, and suggested background reading should take place, prior to the class when those materials will be discussed.

Graded Projects
During the course, one project will be assigned for CAD, and one GIS.  Each of these will be completed on the computer.  The CAD project will include creation of floorplans and details from fieldnotes.  The AutoCAD project will be due on March 18th. You are encouraged to return to your own drawings from other classes to convert them to electronic format. The GIS project will include use of a database with census and tax records, deeds, or fire insurance records from Fredericksburg and Falmouth.  The final GIS project will build on the concepts covered in these sections, as well as include data created in the GIS portion. You GIS project will be due at the Final Exam, Thursday, May 1st at the exam time.

A short 1-3 page summary of each project, documenting the steps in organization of the project, as well as describing how you determined what features you needed and what tools were most important to complete the project. This written summary will be required and turned in by each student with the computer portion of each assignment.  Papers should be typed, paginated and illustrated with your data (if needed).

Tests
The student is responsible for all required readings and lecture materials.  Any handouts in class should be considered materials that will be tested.  Examinations will be computer-based and test your knowledge concerning basic terms, concepts, procedures or significant examples from in-class discussions, assignments and readings.  Tests include fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions, as well as requirements to extract data, complete partially rendered drawings or perform spatial analysis.  There will be two tests: Tuesday, February 26th and a final on Thursday, May 1st 8:30a-11:00am.

Please note that as part of the GIS portion of this class, you will receive the Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Using ArcView® 9.x class as taught by the Cultural Resource Geographic Information Services Facility of the National Park Service.  This class is the only GIS class developed specifically for cultural resource management of historic resources.

Course Texts

Recommended:
George Omura, AutoCAD® 2004 and AutoCAD LT® 2004. Alameda CA, 2004. (not in bookstore)
Required and Provided
Cultural Resource GIS Facility, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Using             ArcView® 9.x. National Park Service, 2008. (not in bookstore)

MY OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday            1:00-1:45
Tuesday          2:00-2:30 
Wednesday      1:00-1:45
Thursday            2:00-2:30
Friday              1:00-1:45
OFFICE
Combs 128
Phone: 654-1313
I am happy to make an appointment to see you at some specific time that suits your needs--ask me in class, or write me an email message at <gstanton@umw.edu>

Grading
Your final grade will be based on the work completed in each section of the course, including: 2 projects (each worth 15%), midterm (worth 25%), the final exam (worth 30%) and class participation (worth 15%). Your attendance in class is part of the class participation.  Please note:  No passing grade can be achieved in this course without completion of all examinations and out-of-class graded assignments.
This class emphasizes skills acquisition. We will be helping each other to master the skills necessary to be successful with these software materials. However, during tests or in the actual production of graded work the Honor Code makes clear that each student will do their own work. If you have any questions concerning what is acceptable shared learning and what is unacceptable copying, please see me. If you see or hear others inappropriately sharing information or files please bring this situation to my attention immediately.
Letter grade descriptions and quality point conversions quoted below are taken from the Academic Catalog.  This and the Dictionary of Academic Regulations should be consulted for further explanation of these and all other grading details and other academic regulations.
The Office of Disability Services has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities.  If you receive services through that office and require accommodations for this class, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs.  Bring your accommodation letter with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.
      If you need accommodations, (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.), I would be happy to refer you to the Office of Disability Services. They will require appropriate documentation of a disability.  Their phone number is 540-654-1266.

SCHEDULE OF CLASS MEETINGS, TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Tuesday 15 January 2008
Lecture:  This lecture will introduce the class, discuss logistics and organization as well as our study areas, Falmouth and Fredericksburg, VA.  Additionally, we will introduce the basic concepts of AutoCAD® software.

Thursday 17 January 2008
Lecture:  A brief history of Computer Assisted Drawing. Introduction of the basics of CAD drawing, including using the command window, laying out your drawing, setting parameters for drawing architecturally, moving and zooming, drawings lines.
Lab:  Students will choose their buildings to draw, and start laying out their floorplans

Tuesday 22 January 2008
Lecture:  We will continue to address drawing basics, covering cancel/undo/oops, snaps and reviewing basic lines and beginning to form your floorplan with offset.
Lab:  Students will return to the floorplans and begin to fill in the basic outline of their structure.

Thursday 24 January 2008
Lecture:  We will begin by reviewing the drawing basics and problems encountered.  Next, we will begin to add detail to your drawings with fillet, trim and erase.
Lab:  Students will continue to work with their floorplans to add door and window openings and delineate interior spaces.

Tuesday 29 January  2008
            Lecture:  We will begin by reviewing the commands from previous classes and answering questions.  Following this, we will continue to add details through circles, extend and stretch.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans to add door swings.

Thursday 31 January 2008
Lecture:  We will begin by reviewing the commands used in the previous lab and answering questions.  Next, we will look at some additional tools to make drawings go faster, such as copy, move, and remove.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans, making adjustments and trying shortcuts.

Tuesday 5 February 2008
Lecture:  We will begin by reviewing the commands used in the previous lab and answering questions.  We will continue to look at shortcuts and tools to help with drawings, such as array, and rotate.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans, making adjustments and using new tools.

Thursday 7 February 2008
Lecture:  We will continue to review previous commands and answer questions generated by the lab sessions.  Further examining useful tools in CAD we will look at commands to mirror and scale.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans, taking advantage of all the tools available to them, and working on new elements such as stairs or trim.

Tuesday 12 February 2008
Lecture:  We will begin by again reviewing the commands we have covered up to this point.  Next, we will explore finishing off your drawings by adding text and dimension strings.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans, adding annotation and finished elements.

Thursday 14 February 2008
Lecture:  We will begin by reviewing commands from previous lab exercises and answering questions generated during labs.  We will continue to explore finishing off drawings with assigning layers and line weights, as well as hatching.
Lab:  Students will continue to work on their floorplans, finishing up the detailing.

Tuesday 19 February 2008
Lecture:  We will have a final review of commands and questions generated during the CAD section.  Output commands such as creating blocks and plotting drawings (to a plotter and to a laser printer) will be covered.
Lab:  Students will finalize their floorplans during this session

Thursday 21 February 2008
Lecture:  We will review any questions from completing the floorplan and then introduce importing raster images and scaling, and then creating a vector drawing overlay
Lab:  Students will create a drawing from a raster image during this session           

Tuesday 26 February 2008
            Midterm Examination           

Thursday 28 February 2008
            Lecture:  We will review importing raster images and then focus on setting up model and paper spaces for three dimensional drawing, understanding user coordinate systems.
            Lab: Student will work on their CAD project due in March.

Spring Break

Tuesday 11 March 2008
            Lecture:  Introduction of 3D wire frame modeling. Defining faces and thickness.
            Lab: Student will set up and draw a 3D object.

Thursday 13 March 2008
Lecture:  Changing a 2D Plan into a 3D Model. Understanding isometric and orthographic views. We’ll convert  a drawing to a 3D model.
Lab:  Students will extrude their Falmouth drawings to create a 3D model. 

Tuesday 18 March 2008
            Lecture:  We will review any questions from our wire frame model and then introduction drawing 3D using surfaces.
            Lab: Students will add surfaces to create the staircase in their Falmouth store.
AutoCAD® Project Due

Part II:  Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Thursday 20 March 2008
Lecture:  We will review any questions from our AutoCAD portion including experimenting and moving beyond the discussion of the class. Then GIS will be introduced by explaining the history of electronic Geographic Information Systems and the associated Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

Tuesday 25 March 2008
            Lecture:  Introduction to ArcView®.  Explanation of the ArcView interface and the components of ArcView® 9.x (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox).  Using the help system.
Lab:  Getting Familiar with ArcView®9.x           

Thursday 27 March 2008
            Lecture:  Reviewing questions from Introduction to ArcView®.  Organizing the data view, introducing data frames and data layers; changing layer symbology, labeling features, and creating layer files.
Lab:  Displaying data with ArcView®9.x

Tuesday 1 April 2008
Lecture: Reviewing questions from introduction of data display. Using Identify, Find, and Measure. How to select by attributes and by location as well as using interactive selection.
Lab:  Querying data with ArcView®9.x

Thursday 3 April 2008
            Lecture: Review questions from querying data. Discuss spatial data formats and how to link features and attributes. Introducing and exploring the Arc Catalog interface.
Lab:  Using ArcCatalog

Tuesday 8 April 2008
Lecture: Review questions about ArcCatalog. Introduce table properties, manipulating tables and using tables to create graphs and reports.
Lab:  Working with Tables in ArcView®9.x

Thursday 10 April 2008
Lecture:  Review questions from tables. Introducing editing data and attributes, sketching features, and calculating attribute values.
Lab:  Editing Spatial Data in ArcView®9.x

Tuesday 15 April 2008
            Lecture:  Review questions from editing data. Understanding concepts of geo-referencing, coordinate systems, and projections.
Lab:  Working with Projections in ArcView®9.x

Thursday 17 April 2008
            Lecture:  Review questions from projections. Discuss techniques for creating spatial data.
Lab:  Creating New Spatial Data in ArcView®9.x

Tuesday 22 April 2008
Lecture:  Review questions from projections. Discuss creating maps in ArcMap, preparing the layout page, adding map elements and creating map templates.
            Lab:  Making Paper Maps with ArcView®9.x

Thursday 24 April 2008
            Lecture:  Review questions from creating paper maps. Discuss the steps in creating a GIS project. 
            Lab:  Building Your Project and Performing Analysis in ArcView®9x

Thursday, 1 May 2008
8:30—11 am Final Exam
ArcView® Project Due