Course detail

Geographical Information Systems

FIT-GISAcad. year: 2013/2014

Students will learn the basic principles of GIS systems (Geographic Information System), the problems of storing and processing information about objects defined by their geographic coordinates and the generating of user specified electronic maps. Moreover, the course is oriented also to basics of topology and computer modelling, which will be employed in design of a particular GIS database structure. Rather large chapter of GISes is the modelling of geoobjects into a vector and raster form. Doing various surveys is another important aspect of GISes. Student will use there their knowledge of current position measurement and navigation.  In the second part of the course, the lectures will bring some notes about analysis and processing of the stored data. Students will explore two well known GIS systems ArcView and Grass in the practical computer exercises and will have some opportunity to do experiments with them.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Intelligent Systems (UITS)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Students will learn the theoretical basis of GIS systems, their connection to WWW, data bases and display systems. The students will also learn to operate the ArcView and Grass system.

Students will enter very specific area of information systems which is connected to description of our planet, natural sciences and introducing the information society into practice.

Prerequisites

Basics of modelling and simulation of systems. Database systems. Information systems.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in form of Lecture - 2 teaching hours per week, Computer exercise - 1 teaching hour per week, Projects - 1 teaching hour per week.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Students have to release a individually made project which will be evaluated at least with one third of points (10 points from 30).

Course curriculum

    Syllabus of lectures:
    • Introduction to GIS systems. Basics of geography.
    • Structure and functions of GIS.
    • Modelling of geographical objects.
    • Representation of spatial objects in GIS databases.
    • Database support for making the GIS systems.
    • Activities in a typical GIS project.
    • Doing geographical surveys.
    • Processing and visualization of geographical data.
    • GIS products ArcView and Grass.
    • User specified maps creating.
    • Technical equipment for GIS support. Maintenance of GIS software systems.
    • Navigation in terrain using the GIS equipment.
    • Application of GIS in industry, administration and natural sciences.

    Syllabus of computer exercises:
    • Implementation of a simple GIS database.
    • Operating the ArcView GIS program.
    • Operating the Grass GIS program.
    • Generating electronic maps from GIS databases.

    Syllabus - others, projects and individual work of students:
    Individually assigned project for the whole duration of the course - project will bring students into a design of their own small GIS system, doing surveys and analysis.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The goal of the course is to teach students the principles of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and to prepare them for the practical work with GIS systems which means their design, implementation, doing geographical surveys, analyzing GIS databases and their applications in industry, research and commerce.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Mid-term exam (incl. test if it is declared), laboratory practice supported by a project and final exam are the monitored, and points earning, education.
Mid-term exam and laboratory practice (supported by the project) are without alternative. Final exam has two additional alternatives.The minimal number of points which can be obtained from the final exam is 25. Otherwise,
no points will be assigned to a student.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Tuček, J.: Geografické informační systémy, Computer Press, 1998 Monmonier, M.: Proč mapy lžou, Computer Press, 2002 Arctur, D., Zeiler, M.: Designing Geodatabases: Case Studies in GIS Data Modeling, ESRI Press, 2004, USA Korte, G.B.: The GIS Book (páté vydání), OnWord Press, 2001, Kanada Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D. J., Rhind, D.R.: Geographic Information Systems and Science, ESRI Press, 2001, USA

Recommended reading

Tuček, J.: Geografické informační systémy, Computer Press, 1998 Davis, E.D.: GIS pro každého - Vytváříme mapy na počítači, Computer Press, 2001

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme IT-MSC-2 Master's

    branch MBS , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch MIN , 0 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    branch MIS , 0 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    branch MMI , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch MMM , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch MPV , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch MBI , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch MGM , 0 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    branch MSK , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to GIS systems. Basics of geography.
  • Structure and functions of GIS.
  • Modelling of geographical objects.
  • Reprezentation of spatial objects in GIS databases.
  • Database support for makeing the GIS systems.
  • Activities in a typical GIS project.
  • Doing geographical surveys.
  • Processing and vizualization of geographical data.
  • GIS products ArcView and Grass.
  • User specified maps creating.
  • Technical equipment for GIS support. Maintainance of GIS software systems.
  • Navigation in terrain using the GIS equipment.
  • Application of GIS in industry, administration and natural sciences.

Exercise in computer lab

10 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Implementation of a simple GIS database.
  • Operating the ArcView GIS program.
  • Operating the Grass GIS program.
  • Generating electronic maps from GIS databases.

Project

16 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.