Geographical Information System Gis
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The Geographical Information Systems are essential tools for spatial planning in more and more professional sectors. In this context, the course aims to provide students with the basic skills to manipulate, analyse, manage, and present spatial and geographic data, both qualitative and quantitative, through GIS (Geographical Information Systems) software.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will know: what is a Coordinate Reference Systems; what is a map projection; what is a GIS; the different types of data; GIS analysis and geoprocessing tools; how to build a map layout; what is a WebGIS; what is a participatory mapping. - At the end of the course, the student will be able to: create a map using the QGIS software; to use, modify and convert different data formats compatible with GIS; to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial data; create a map layout.
Lesson period: First 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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Module A: Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
· Reference systems of a map;
· different projections used in cartography;
· what is GIS;
· data formats usable in a GIS;
· GIS analysis and geoprocessing tools;
· application fields of GIS through the analysis of selected case studies;
· digital elevation models and their applications;
· GPS and similar navigation systems.
Module B: GIS and QGIS software functionalities
Practical module focused on using QGIS software for map production:
· QGIS software functionalities;
· vector and raster data formats;
· vector operations (selection, querying, editing, geoprocessing tools);
· raster operations (map algebra, topographic tools);
· layer management;
· layer symbology;
· reference systems and cartographic projections;
· downloading WMS/WFS data;
· creation of cartographic products.
· Reference systems of a map;
· different projections used in cartography;
· what is GIS;
· data formats usable in a GIS;
· GIS analysis and geoprocessing tools;
· application fields of GIS through the analysis of selected case studies;
· digital elevation models and their applications;
· GPS and similar navigation systems.
Module B: GIS and QGIS software functionalities
Practical module focused on using QGIS software for map production:
· QGIS software functionalities;
· vector and raster data formats;
· vector operations (selection, querying, editing, geoprocessing tools);
· raster operations (map algebra, topographic tools);
· layer management;
· layer symbology;
· reference systems and cartographic projections;
· downloading WMS/WFS data;
· creation of cartographic products.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic computer skills
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and practical exercises
Teaching Resources
Course materials
· Ariel website
· V. Noti, Gis Open Source per geologia e ambiente: Analisi e gestione di dati territoriali e ambientali con QGIS, Palermo, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 2014
· QGIS online documentation: https://www.qgis.org/it/docs/index.html
· Ariel website
· V. Noti, Gis Open Source per geologia e ambiente: Analisi e gestione di dati territoriali e ambientali con QGIS, Palermo, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 2014
· QGIS online documentation: https://www.qgis.org/it/docs/index.html
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment of learning outcomes is carried out through a written exam and a project presentation on a topic of choice.
The written exam consists of theoretical questions covering the course content, including both basic concepts and practical aspects related to the use of QGIS software. The written exam may be divided into two parts by taking a mid-term partial test.
The project may be completed individually or in groups of up to four people and consists of producing a map using QGIS software. The topic is open. The project must be presented orally, explaining the processing steps (data selection, processing, and final result).
The written exam accounts for 20/30 of the final grade, while the project presentation accounts for 10/30. The final grade is the sum of the scores obtained in the written exam and the project presentation. The project evaluation will take into account the quality and quantity of the analyses carried out, compliance with the guidelines provided during lectures regarding the essential elements of a map, and clarity of presentation.
The written exam and the project presentation may be taken in the same exam session (except for the mid-term test, which is written only) or in separate sessions. If the project is carried out in a group, all participants must be registered and present in the chosen session; however, group members may take the written exam in different sessions. There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students regarding exam procedures.
The written exam consists of theoretical questions covering the course content, including both basic concepts and practical aspects related to the use of QGIS software. The written exam may be divided into two parts by taking a mid-term partial test.
The project may be completed individually or in groups of up to four people and consists of producing a map using QGIS software. The topic is open. The project must be presented orally, explaining the processing steps (data selection, processing, and final result).
The written exam accounts for 20/30 of the final grade, while the project presentation accounts for 10/30. The final grade is the sum of the scores obtained in the written exam and the project presentation. The project evaluation will take into account the quality and quantity of the analyses carried out, compliance with the guidelines provided during lectures regarding the essential elements of a map, and clarity of presentation.
The written exam and the project presentation may be taken in the same exam session (except for the mid-term test, which is written only) or in separate sessions. If the project is carried out in a group, all participants must be registered and present in the chosen session; however, group members may take the written exam in different sessions. There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students regarding exam procedures.
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Diolaiuti Guglielmina Adele, Fugazza Davide
Professor(s)