2664.12 - Practice course - Geographical Information System (GIS))


Course number
2664.12
Title
Practice course - Geographical Information System (GIS))
ECTS
2.5
Purpose
The purpose of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It will explain the basic theoretical concepts behind the GIS, and it will give basic practical skills as well. It will introduce the most commonly used GIS package: ESRI’s ArcGIS. The couse will also shortly introduce the free GIS software: Quantum GIS.
Content
Theoretical part  Introduction to GIS (what is a GIS, components of GIS)  Projections and coordinate systems  Types of geographic data (points, lines, areas, surfaces) + (continuous and discrete)  Data models in GIS (vector, raster)  Accuracy, precision and error in the data  Metadata Practical part  Introduction to ArcGIS applications: ArcCatalog, ArcMap  Use of ArcMap for editing, display and production of cartographic output  Use of ArcGIS for various analyses (attribute query, spatial selection, spatial query)  Basic spatial operations in ArcGIS (buffering, overly, aggregation)  Mapping your own data (joining data in Excel to maps, etc.)  Introduction to Quantum GIS (free alternative to ArcGIS)
Learning and teaching approaches
Short presentations on the theoretical fundamentals underpinning the GIS. Most of the time will be spent by excersises where we will learn to work with ArcGIS in practise. As a part of the course, the students will be requsted to collect their own data, which they will afterwards import, analyze and display in GIS.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will:  define and assess the main concepts and data models used in GIS.  Define and assess the values and possibilities offered by GIS, and be aware of its limitations.  Explain the basics in map projections and coordinate systems.  display, analyze and edit geographical and attribute data in ArcGIS.  collect and import one’s own attribute and spatial data into a GIS.  demonstrate practical knowledge in using Quantum GIS to display, analyze and edit geographical and attribute data.
Assessment method
80% compulsory attendance. Examination consists of a written test.
Examination
External
Marking scale
13-