2664.18 - Practical Course – Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

2664.18

Practical Course – Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

2.5

Introductory level in Social Science (2 years) or equivalent qualifications.

The purpose of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and the role and application og GIS in the social sciences. It will explain the basic theoretical concepts behind the GIS, and it will give basic practical skills in ArcGIS.

• What is GIScience (GIS, PGIS and PPGIS)? • Cartography, map projections and coordinate systems • Data models (vector, raster) • Types of geographic data in GIS (point, line, polygon) • Basic operations in GIS • Editing, displaying and creating geographic data in GIS

The course consists of lectures and practical exercises.

At the end of the course, the students will: • Be able to critically reflect upon the role and relevance of GIS in the social sciences. • Be able to explain central concepts used in GIS. • Be able to 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. • Be able to display, analyze and edit geographical and attribute data in ArcGIS.

Examination consists of three smaller assignments. Each assignment consists of one practical exercise, which is practiced in class, and a written question (approx. 300-400 words).

External

7-

Approximately 200 pages

Ragnheiður Bogadóttir