Principles of Geographic Information Science

 

Introduction
This module presents the primary concepts and skills related to the entry, storage, analysis and visualization of geographic information. The theoretical part of the module covers the basic concepts of geographic information science. In the practical part, the required different skills and techniques related to the manipulation and handling of spatial data is learnt. Most of such techniques are related to the usage of GIS software. The more advanced concepts and techniques related to GIS are covered in the following modules.

 

 

 


Learning outcomes

 

 


By the end of the module, students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts related to the space, spatial phenomena and how it is represented in the content of spatial data. They will be able to describe and perform different methods and steps related to the manipulation and use of the spatial data. The main learning outcomes expected from the module are to:

 


  • Describe geographic phenomena and their representation in the context of spatial and nonspatial data;
  • Explain the main components of a GIS and their functions;
  • Explain the main spatial data analysis functions;
  • Explain the principal rules for cartographic visualization;
  • Explain aspects of data quality and the effect of different spatial data handlings on it.
  • Perform data preparation, geo-referencing and data entry into a GIS;
  • Perform basic manipulation, analysis and visualization operations using a GIS.

 

 

 


Content

 

 


The main topics covered by the modules are:

 


  • A short review of GIS applications
  • Geographic phenomena and their perception;
  • Main spatial data types and spatial relationships;
  • Main sources and methods of generating spatial data;
  • Spatial data entry and preparation;
  • Spatial data analysis;
  • Spatial data visualization;
  • Quality assessment of spatial data.

 

 

Allocated time per teaching and learning method

 

Teaching / learning method

Allocated Hours

Lectures

36

Supervised practicals

34

Unsupervised practicals

10

Individual assignment

30

Group assignment

0

Self-study

30

Examination

4

Excursion

0

Fieldwork

0

Graduation project supervision

0

MSc thesis supervision

0

Development time

0


Examination
The assessment of theoretical part is based on a closed book final examination. The practical skills are assessed based on the students’ performance and reports for a few assignments during the practical sessions and a final project. The assignments will be mainly related to spatial data preparation and analysis.

 

 


Final Grade Determination

 


Mandatory assignments and final project, counts 40%, final exam, counts 60%.

 

Components

Weight

Assignments

20 %

Final Project

20 %

Final Examination

60 %

 


Prerequisites
Good basics in mathematics.

 

 


Reference
Huisman, O., & De By, R. A. (2009). Principles of geographic information systems. ITC
Educational Textbook Series, 1.

 

Date:
2018/05/30
review:
1110
K.N.Toosi University
Address: No. 1346, ValiAsr Street, Mirdamad cross, Geomatics Engineering Faculty, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Post Code: 15433-19967 
 Tel: +98 21 88877071-2 
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