Intro to GIS
Content
Syllabus
Introduction to GIS (1 hour lecture, 1 hour exercises)
- Definition of terms (IS, GIS, geodata, visualization)
- Components of GIS
- Introduction to QGIS: Installation and interface overview
Geodata (2 hours lecture, 1 hour exercises)
- Data models (vector and raster geodata)
- Geodata formats
- Creating and editing vector data in QGIS
Sources of Geodata (1 hour lecture, 2 hour exercises)
- Geodata standards and exchange
- Web map services
- Loading geodata into QGIS/WebGIS
Drawing Maps with GIS (3 hours exercises)
- Setting up map projects in QGIS/WebGIS
- Adding and managing layers
- Using QGIS/WebGIS to draw basic maps
Tabular Data in GIS (1 hours lecture, 2 hours exercises)
- Linking tabular data with spatial data
- Attribute tables and queries
- Managing and querying tabular data in QGIS
Databases in GIS (2 hours lecture, 1 hour exercises)
- Introduction to databases and their role in GIS
- Spatial databases vs. non-spatial databases
- Connecting QGIS and WebGIS to spatial databases
Cartographic Visualization Techniques I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours exercises)
- Principles of cartographic design
- Symbolization and color theory
- Labeling and annotation techniques
- Applying cartographic principles in QGIS/WebGIS
Cartographic Visualization Techniques II (2 hours lecture, 2 hours exercises)
- Advanced visualization techniques
- Thematic mapping
- Interactive mapping and web-based GIS
- Creating thematic maps in QGIS/WebGIS
Practical Applications of GIS (10 hours lab sessions)
- GIS in urban planning
- GIS in environmental management
- Case studies and real-world applications
- Implementing practical GIS projects in QGIS/WebGIS
The homework will include: 20 hrs literature analysis, GIS terminology, and individual study.
Objectives and Competences
Course objectives:
- To introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), WebGIS and their components.
- To provide an understanding of geodata and data models used in GIS.
- To teach the basics of databases and tabular data management in GIS.
- To develop skills in drawing maps and applying cartographic visualization techniques.
- To provide hands-on experience using QGIS for GIS tasks.
- To provide hands-on experience using WebGIS.
Competences:
- Ability to understand and use GIS components effectively.
- Knowledge of different types of geodata and their applications.
- Proficiency in managing data models and databases within a GIS framework.
- Skills in creating maps and utilizing various cartographic visualization techniques.
- Practical experience in using QGIS or WebGIS for GIS operations.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students that will successfully attend the course will be able to:
- Define GIS and describe its key components.
- Identify and work with different types of geodata.
- Understand and apply data models in GIS.
- Manage and use databases and tabular data within GIS.
- Create maps using GIS software, specifically QGIS.
- Create maps using WebGIS.
- Apply cartographic visualization techniques to effectively represent spatial data.