The students are able to

• define Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and explain their essential components
• recognize the special features and the added value of spatial information and describe this in the context of environmentally specific issues
• distinguish and apply different representations of spatial information and georeferencing methods
• model spatially related environmental issues and transform real-world problems in a digital environment
• master key spatial workflows and GI software systems
• describe a wide range of possible environmental applications of GIS

None

The theoretical and practical fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are taught, and an overview of the diverse and multidisciplinary applications of GIS with special focus on the environment is provided. The content focus is on teaching the following topics:

• Definitions and characteristics of spatial information
• Multidisciplinary application areas of geoinformation
• Basic workflows for acquisition, manipulation, analysis and presentation of spatial data
• Basics of spatial representation and geo-data modeling
• Georeferencing and basics of coordinate systems
• Basics of spatial analysis methods
• Basics of cartographic visualization and map-making
• Practical application of selected open-source GI systems/software products. GIS application skills and typical workflows for acquisition, manipulation, analysis and visualization of spatial data are taught in the form of practical exercises.

Longley P. A., Goodchild M. F., Maguire D.J., Rhind D.W., Geographic Information Systems & Science. 4th edition. Wiley & Sons. 2015

Lecture, practical lab exercises, documentation and presentation, interactive work, problem-based learning

Integrated module examination
Immanent examination character:
Short tests, lab exercise assignments, presentations, active in-class participation, final examination