Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic data includes information about society and nature, as well as information on current and historical processes used to help plan for the future. GIS has become a central tool in the social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. Through this geographic context, information about the state of society and the environment can be integrated and seen as an interconnected whole.
This is a basic course in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and theory related to the application of GIS. Students learn to use GIS to collect, store, process, and present geographic data in maps and diagrams.
The course is part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Spatial Planning. Available as an independent course unit for other students.
We can offer the course in English for international students.
After completing the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
- knowledge about maps as a form of communication and about the components of GIS, terminology related to the use of GIS, and areas of application
- knowledge of the raster and vector models for storing geographic data
- understanding of georeferencing systems and projections
- knowledge of how to collect, process, and store geographic data with GIS
- ability to plan and apply different operations in GIS in sequence in order to carry out specific tasks.
Skills:
- has skills in processing both vector and raster data, including vector geometry and attibute data
- can apply georeferencing systems and projections correctly and handle challenges associated with georeferencing systems when working with maps
- can create different types of maps including topographic maps, choropleth maps, dot distribution maps, isoline maps, and proportional and categorized symbol maps
- can perform cartographic layout and export the map in different formats
- master several methods of data collection including vector digitalisation, collecting data from GPS, collection from table data, and georeferencing of raster data
- knowledge about basic techniques for querying, merging, and clipping data
- can communicate what GIS is and appropriate use cases for GIS.
General competence:
- competence in the basic usages of GIS
- insight into sources for map data and basic map data storage models
- theoretical and practical competence in basic operations with GIS, data tables, and relational databases.
Composite assessment. Students will receive a letter grade.
- Obligatory participation accounts for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
- Must be passed before the beginning of the Map Exam
- Map Portfolio accounts for 100% of the grade. Students will receive a letter grade.
- Throughout the semester, students must complete and pass 6 compulsory submissions. Approval of the submissions takes place after a joint review of the assignments and by the students working together to evaluate each other’s work. The portfolio must consist of 4 submissions, of which 3 of the submissions are self-selected from the first 5 submissions, while the last submission must be included.
