Geographic Information Systems
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The Geographic Information Systems course aims to provide students with methodologies and tools useful for collection, storage, management, analysis and representation of spatially geo-referenced data. The course will address, by different degrees of detail, the main issues related to the GIS, starting from the analysis of the main data models up to their correct and precise representation, passing through the concepts of topology, database, data analysis, etc.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will gain skills and competences in georeferenced environmental data storage, query, management, analysis and visualization GIS-based concepts and techniques.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1. Introduction
Concepts and terminology; differences between GIS and CAD systems; fields of application and purposes (decision making and environmental management).
2. Cartographic concepts
Map scale, projection and coordinate systems; difference between traditional cartographic approaches and digital ones.
3. Data structure
geometric component (raster and vector); descriptive component (tables); topological component (relations among objects); time component.
4. Digital data entry
Maps scanning and digital conversion; georeferencing; manual and/or automatic digitizing; topology definition (arc-node relations; arc direction, inclusion, adjacency); database design and implementation; cartographic symbols; final controls (constrain controls and test plots).
5. Database
General concepts (records, fields, key-fields); normalization theory; Join and Relate operations; query (mathematical, conditional and logical operators).
Concepts and terminology; differences between GIS and CAD systems; fields of application and purposes (decision making and environmental management).
2. Cartographic concepts
Map scale, projection and coordinate systems; difference between traditional cartographic approaches and digital ones.
3. Data structure
geometric component (raster and vector); descriptive component (tables); topological component (relations among objects); time component.
4. Digital data entry
Maps scanning and digital conversion; georeferencing; manual and/or automatic digitizing; topology definition (arc-node relations; arc direction, inclusion, adjacency); database design and implementation; cartographic symbols; final controls (constrain controls and test plots).
5. Database
General concepts (records, fields, key-fields); normalization theory; Join and Relate operations; query (mathematical, conditional and logical operators).
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites are required. "Mathematical institutions" is strongly recommended as preparatory course
Teaching methods
Lessons in a classroom using personal computers
Teaching Resources
Materiale distribuito durante il corso.
M. Boffi (2004) Scienza dell'Informazione Geografica - Introduzione ai GIS. Zanichelli.
S. Aronoff (1991) Geographic Information Systems: A Management Perspective. Wdl Pubns.
M. Boffi (2004) Scienza dell'Informazione Geografica - Introduzione ai GIS. Zanichelli.
S. Aronoff (1991) Geographic Information Systems: A Management Perspective. Wdl Pubns.
Assessment methods and Criteria
written exam with multiple choice questions and open questions
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Sterlacchini Simone