2271.20 - Practical Course – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

2271.20

Practical Course – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

7.5

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

The purpose of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the role and application of GIS in the social sciences. The course will provide students with basic practical skills in ArcGIS, and an understanding of the basic theoretical concepts.

• 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) • 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 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. • Be able to critically reflect upon the role and relevance of GIS in society. • Be able to critically reflect upon the role and relevance of GIS in the social sciences.

To pass the course students must do practical exercises and hand in one map assignment and one theoretical assignment for assessment. The theoretical assignment should be between 2500-3000 words.

7-

The bibliography will be available on Moodle/department

Ragnheiður Bogadóttir