Geographic Information System (GIS)

A.Y. 2026/2027
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
GEOS-03/B
Language
English
Learning objectives
This module aims to provide an overview of the main GIS applications and the conceptual and theoretical knowledge, as well as the technical skills, required to: (1) work effectively with geospatial data, both vector and raster, in a GIS environment; and (2) develop automated, reusable, and shareable GIS workflows. The module is designed to provide (1) the necessary foundations for students with no prior experience in GIS and/or ArcGIS Pro, (2) consolidate the skills of students with basic GIS knowledge, and (3) enable all students to acquire some of the advanced competencies required to develop automated GIS workflows.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, students will have acquired the theoretical, conceptual, and technical competencies required to: (i) work with vector and raster geospatial data in a GIS environment; (ii) create, edit, and query geospatial data; (iii) use geospatial data to represent and model real-world objects, processes and phenomena; (iv) analyse geospatial data to generate new knowledge and extract information to support decision-making processes; (v) develop automated, reusable, and shareable GIS workflows; (vi) communicate and present spatial analysis results clearly and effectively to different audiences.
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

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction to GIS and Spatial Analysis
2) The Vector Data Model, Including Vector Data Creation, Editing, and Querying in ArcGIS Pro
3) The Raster Data Model
4) Coordinate Reference Systems and Map Projections
5) Relational (Geo)databases and their Implementation in ArcGIS Pro
6) Visualising Geospatial Data and Creating Maps in ArcGIS Pro
7) Vector Data Processing and Integration with Raster Data for Real-World Applications in ArcGIS Pro
8) Raster Data Processing and Related Real-World Applications in ArcGIS Pro
9) Digital Elevation Models, Surface Analysis and Hydrological Modelling in ArcGIS Pro
10) Using ModelBuilder to Automate Workflows in ArcGIS Pro
Prerequisites for admission
None (basic knowledge of fundamental GIS concepts and terminology may be helpful).
Teaching methods
Traditional teaching through lectures and computer-based practicals using the same GIS software employed in the practical test. Attendance is strongly recommended for both lectures and practicals.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides, practicals and the related input data, as well as the GIS software for the practicals, will be made available on MyAriel (https://myariel.unimi.it/).

Recommended textbooks:
- Principles of Geographical Information Systems by Peter A. Burrough, Rachael A. McDonnell, Christopher D. Lloyd; Oxford University Press.
- The Esri Guide to GIS Analysis, Volume 1: Geographic Patterns and Relationships by Andy Mitchell; Esri Press
- Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro 2.8 by Michael Law, Amy Collins; Esri Press.
- GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 3.1 by Wilpen L. Gorr, Kristen S. Kurland; Esri Press.
- Applicazioni GIS per progettualità interdisciplinary, Pensare geograficamente in chiave applicata (con ArcGIS Pro e ArcGIS Online) by C. Pesaresi, D. Pavia; UTET.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment consists of a three-part examination: (1) a one-and-a-half-hour written test aimed at assessing the acquisition of theoretical and conceptual knowledge, (2) a one-and-a-half-hour practical computer-based test aimed at evaluating the ability to apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge, as well as technical skills, to perform spatial analysis tasks, and (3) an oral examination aimed at assessing in greater detail the overall level of knowledge and competencies. The written test will consist of a combination of multiple-choice (10) and open (5) questions. The practical computer-based test consists of a number of practical exercises to be solved using ArcGIS Pro. The oral examination consists of a discussion, initially based on the results of the written and practical tests, covering any of the topics taught during the module.

During the written test, students are not permitted to consult any materials (eg, notes, textbooks, electronic resources, and online content). During the practical computer-based test, students may use any resources available to them (eg, notes, textbooks, electronic resources, online content, software documentation, and AI tools). During both tests, communication with other individuals is strictly prohibited (this includes discussing the test with colleagues, seeking assistance from third parties, or using phone calls, messaging applications, email, social media, or any other form of direct or indirect communication to obtain help for completing the tests).

The final mark, expressed on a thirty-point scale (30/30), is calculated by first taking the arithmetic mean of the marks obtained in the written and practical tests. The resulting average is then averaged with the mark obtained in the oral examination, and the final result is rounded to the nearest whole number. A minimum mark of 18/30 is required in each of the three parts of the examination. To be eligible for the oral examination, students must pass both the written and practical tests with a minimum mark of 18/30.

Results and marks of both tests will be communicated online using the Exam Verbalization service available on the Unimi intranet. The final mark will be communicated in person at the end of the oral examination. Rejection of a mark and/or failure to pass either or both tests will not prevent students from registering for the immediately subsequent examination sessions. Failure to pass the oral examination, or rejection of the final mark, will require the student to retake both the written and practical tests. There will be no intermediate examinations.

The evaluation criteria applied to verify the level of learning will include:
- The general level of knowledge and the ability to contextualize it;
- The ability to understand and answer the questions formulated both in the written test and during the oral examination;
- The ability to independently apply the theoretical and conceptual knowledge, as well as the technical skills, to understand and solve the tasks described in the practical test;
- The ability to communicate clearly and effectively;
- The ability to think critically and to formulate and support arguments.

If needed, additional information on the assessment criteria and how the examination will be conducted will be provided during the course.
GEOS-03/B - Applied Geology - University credits: 6
Exercises: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours