The main objective of the course is to introduce to concepts and components of a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) in relationship to landscape analysis and representations. Starting from the essential skills of operating a functional GIS, students will understand the basis of spatial data acquisition, geo-database design, spatial query and display, spatial analysis, GIS application development, cartographic mapping, editing and QA/QC, and metadata development.
Longley PA, Goodchild MF, Maguire DJ, Rhind DW. 2015. Geographic Information Systems and Science (4th Edition). Wiley. SBN-13: 978-1118676950; ISBN-10: 1118676955
DeMers MN. 2009. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. Wiley & Sons, NJ, USA. ISBN 978-0-470-12906-7
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Theory and applications for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Competence acquired
- Structure and functioning of geographic information systems and integration with remote sensing
- Landscape and ecosystem definition and individuation
- Spatial analysis for ecological processes at landscape scale
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
- use of GIS and remote sensing software
- database design
- GIS applications to landscape and ecological analysis
Prerequisites
Courses recommmended:
Mathematics and laboratory,
Plant biology,
Nursery ecological management
Teaching Methods
Lessons and learning by doing approach with guided GIS laboratories.
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 102
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 20
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours): 22
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours): 6
Seminars (hours): 0
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
highly recommended
Teaching tools:
Moodle platform
Software for GIS and remote sensing analysis
GPS instruments
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: interview and presentation of a GIS project developed by the student
Course program
(1) Introduction. Learning objectives, Geographic Information System (GIS) defined, a brief history, sample application areas.
(2) Digital data and maps. Basic geographic concepts. Map basics. GIS computer Structure basics. GIS data models
(3) Input, storage and editing. GIS input, data storage and editing
(4) Spatial analysis. Measurements. Classification. Statistical surfaces. Terrain analyis. Spatial arrangement.
(5) GIS output and design
The study program includes laboratories for the use of GIS and remote sensing software, spatial analysis, and GPS (Global Positioning System).