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.
Land use enhancement methodologies, through analysis of its multi-functionality and representation in Maps of Landscape Heritage aimed at inclusion in the National Register of Historical Rural Landscapes.
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 guided GIS laboratories.
Lesson pdf files on-line on moodle.
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
The study program includes laboratories for the use of GIS and remote sensing software, spatial analysis.
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: interview and presentation of a GIS project developed by the student.
For covid-19 emergency exams will be held on Gmeet.
Following criteria will be used for evaluation: clarity and appropriate use of technical terms in GIS project presentation, capability of applying GIS functions.
Course program
GENERAL SECTION
(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
SPECIAL SECTION
Rural landscape multi-functional role. Main national and international programs for rural landscape protection: Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policies, UNESCO WHL, FAO GIAHS.
Methods in landscape analysis and representation.Definition and history of the concept of landscape. Procedures for landscapes inclusion in the National Register of Historical Rural Landscapes. VASA methodology and multitemporal analysis.
From analysis to representation by study cases. Management and enhancement strategies: the Cinque Terre UNESCO site; FAI ″Case Lovara″ property.
Practical part. Choice of a study area. Application of the VASA analysis or creation of a Landscape Heritage Map, including GIS skills.