6122.23 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).


Course number
6122.23
Title
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
ECTS
10
Prerequisites
Secondary education or equivalent qualifications. (Students are themselves responsible for the access to a PC that can run the GIS-software).
Purpose
The purpose of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the role and application of GIS in the sciences and in society. The course will provide students with basic practical and methodological skills in GIS, and an understanding of the basic theoretical concepts.
Content
What is GIScience (GIS, PGIS and PPGIS)? • Maps, power and worldviews. • Technology, data and democracy. • Cartography, map projections and coordinate systems. • Data models (vector, raster). • Types of geographic data in GIS (point, line, polygon). • Editing, displaying and creating geographic data in GIS. • Basic operations in GIS.
Learning and teaching approaches
The course consists of lectures, presentations, discussions, and practical exercises in GIS.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will: • Be able to explain central concepts in GIS. • Be able to define and assess the values and possibilities offered by GIS and be aware of its limitations. • Be able to explain the basics in map projections and coordinate systems. • Be able to display, analyze and edit geographical and attribute data in GIS. • Be able to critically reflect upon the role and relevance of GIS in the sciences. • Be able to critically reflect upon the role and relevance of GIS in society.
Assessment method
To pass the course students must do practical exercises and hand in one map assignment.
Examination
Internal
Marking scale
7-
Bibliography
Bibliography is available at course start.
Contact
Sissal Tókadóttir Dahl