Subject objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce students to Geographical Information Systems, with an emphasis on how these systems are implemented, how they are used and which are their applications. Thus, the objective is to provide students the capability to use GIS to solve spatial engineering problems, but also the theoretical knowledge needed for the understanding of GIS operation and use.
Contents
Basic contents included in the programme documentation:
Introduction to GIS: definition, components, data models, information sources.
Conceptual and structural modelling of geographic data.
Spatial databases: conceptual and logical design, normalization.
GIS functions: data input, spatial analysis of raster and vector data, data output.
Design, analysis, management and operation of GIS projects.
These basic contents are developed along the course duration following the following structure of theoretical lessons:
Unit 1. Introduction to GIS (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 2. Spatial data representation models (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 3. Spatial databases (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 4. Measurements and queries in vector space (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 5. Overlaying operations (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 6. Network analysis (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 7. Operations in raster space (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 8. Methods for spatial interpolation (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 9. Terrain analysis (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 10. Data input and digitalization (2h)
Unit 11. Data output (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
Unit 12. Practical applications (2h face-to-face and 3 h non-face-to-face work)
And the following list of practical sessions in IT classroom:
Session 1 - First contact with GIS environments (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Session 2 - Vector analysis (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Session 3 - Basic raster operations (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Session 4 - Spatial interpolation (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Session 5 - Terrain analysis (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Session 6 - Digitalization of analogic data (4h face-to-face and 8 h non-face-to-face work)
Basic and complementary bibliography
Basic bibliography
Olaya Ferrero, Víctor, 2014. SisUnits de Información Geográfica.
Longley, Paul A., Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire e David W. Rhind, 2011. Geographic Information Systems and Science. Jonh Wiley & Sons.
Pérez Navarro, A. (coord.), 2011. Introducción a los sisUnits de información geográfica y geotelemática. Editorial UOC, Barcelona.
Complementary bibliography
Longley, Paul A., Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire e David W. Rhind (eds.), 2011. Geographic Information Systems and Science. Principles, Techniques, Applications and Management (2a ed.). Jonh Wiley & Sons.
Heywood, Ian, Sarah Cornelius e Steve Carter, 2011. An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (4a ed.). Pearson Education Limited.
Neteler, Marcus e Helena Mitasova, 2008. Open Source GIS: a GRASS GIS Approach (3a ed.). Springer.
Competencies
Competencias transversales
CT5 - Capacidad para obtener información adecuada, diversa y actualizada
CT9 - Habilidad en el manejo de tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TIC)
CT12 - Capacidad para resolver problemas mediante la aplicación integrada de sus conocimientos
Competencias específicas
CO5 - Diseño, producción y difusión de la cartografía básica y temática. Implementación, gestión y explotación de SisUnits de Información Geográfica (SIG).
CO6 - Conocimientos y aplicación de los métodos y técnicas geomáticas en los ámbitos de las diferentes ingenierías.
Teaching methodology
Theoretical lectures (competences C05, C06, CT12)
Practical sessions (competences CT5, CT9, C05, C06, CT12)
Official schedule will be followed in all scenarios. Also, theoretical and practical sessions will be complemented by:
Use of the virtual campus (Moodle).
Practical cases and projects.
Individualized and group tutoring.
Autonomous study.
Evaluation of competence.
Evaluation system
Assessment of students’ performance will be based on two components:
Continuous assessment, based on practical assignments along the duration of the course (1st opportunity), or practical test (2nd opportunity). 50% of final grade. Competences CT5, CT9, CT12, CO5, CO6.
Written test. 50% of final grade. Competences CO5, CO6, CT12.
Students are required to achieve a minimum of 4 points (out of 10) in each component and a minimum of 5 points (out of 10) overall to receive a passing grade. A passing grade in one of the components will be retained, at most, for the following academic year.
Students exempt of attendance to classes, as provided for in the Attendance Regulations, will follow the same assessment system.
The USC Normative for Assessment of Academic Performance will be automatically applied if fraud or fabrication of assessment materials is detected.
Studying time and personal work
This course includes 24 hours of theoretical lectures, 24 hours of practical lectures and 3 hours of tutoring. It also implies around 99 hours of personal work.
Subject study recommendations
It is advisable that students have access to a personal computer in order to install the software applications used in class.
Observations
Plan de contingencia: tal y como se detalla en los apartados correspondentes de esta guía docente, se contempla que en caso de aplicar el escenario 2 (Distanciamento), la totalidad de la evaluación tendrá lugar a través del campus virtual. En caso de aplicar el escenario 3 (Peche das instalacións), a esto se añadirá que la totalidad de la docencia se realizará mediante videoconferencia, en el horario de clase previsto. La docencia (presencial o por videoconferencia) será complementada, en cualquiera de los escenarios, por las herramientas y recursos disponibles en el campus virtual.
