Geographic information systems 1

The objective of this subject is to provide students with knowledge about Geographical Information Systems, how these systems are implemented, how they are used and which are their main applications for landscape study. Thus, the objective is to provide students the capability to use GIS for solving landscape analysis and problems, but also the theoretical knowledge needed for the understanding of GIS operation and use.

The degree memory includes for this subject the following contens:
-Potentialities for the use of GIS for landscape analysis and planning
-Definition and elements of GIS
-GIS data: geographic and alphanumeric
-Structure and store models: raster and vector models
-Topología, georreferenciación y geocodificación
-Capture, correction and store of data

These contents are developed through the following programme:

BLOCK 1. INTRODUCTION (0.5 ECTS)



BLOCK 2. MANAGEMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (2 ECTS)



BLOCK 3. FUNCTIONS OF GIS (2.5 ECTS)



BLOCK 4. IMPLEMENTATION AND APPLICATION OF GIS (1 ECTS)




PRACTICAL LECTURES

Practice 1. QGIS installation (Block 1)

Practice 2. Introduction to QGIS (Block 2)

Practice 3. Data and Coordenate Systems in QGIS (Block 2)

Practice 4. Edition with QGIS (Block 3)

Practice 5. Geoprocessing operations (Block 3)

Practice 6. Layouts using QGIS (Block 4)

Basic bibliography:
BOSQUE SENDRA, J. (1997). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Ediciones Rialp, S.A., Madrid.
KORTE, G. (2001). The GIS Book. New York: Onword Press.
GUTIÉRREZ, J., GOULD, M. (2000). SIG: Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Madrid: Síntesis.
OLAYA, V. (2012). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. http://www.bubok.es/libros/191920/Sistemas-de-Informacion-Geografica

Complementary bibliography:
BETTINGER, P., WING, M. G. (2004). Geographic Information Systems. Applications in Forestry and Natural Resources Management. New York: McGraw-Hill.
CHRISMAN, N. (1997). Exploring Geographic Information Systems. John Wiley and Sons.
DATE, C.J. (2001). Introducción a los Sistemas de Bases de Datos. Pearson Education.
DAVIS, B. (2001). GIS: A visual approach. New York: Onword Press.
DE MIGUEL, A., PIATTINI, M. (2000). Diseño de base de datos relacionales. Mexico: AlfaOmega.

In this subject the student will acquire or practice a series of generic competences, suitable for any universitary degree, and specific of this specific degree and of the landscape study. Among the competences established for the degree, the following basic, general and cross competences will be practiced:
CB2 – Students must know how apply their knowledge to their work in a professional way and must have the required competences that are usually demonstrated by means of the elaboration and defense of arguments in their study area.
CB3 – Students must have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (typically within their field of study) for making judgements that include a reflection on issues of social, scientific or ethical nature.
CG2 – To know the landscape information and representation systems.
CG5 – Knowledge in basic, scientific, and technological subjects that allow a continuous learning, as well as the ability to adapt to new situations
CT2 – To use the basic tools of the information and communications technologies (ICT) needed for the exercise of their profession and for learning throughout his life. Skill in the management of information and communication technologies (ICT). Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse and up-to-date information. Use of bibliographic information and of Internet.
CT7 – Valorate the importance that has the research, innovation and technological development in the socio-economic and cultural progress of society.

In addition, the student will practice the following specific competences:
CE58 - Appropriate knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.
CE59 - Design, production and dissemination of basic and thematic cartography. Implementation, management and operation of GIS.

Expository teaching - masterclasses (competences CB3, CG2, CG5, CT2, CT7, CE58, CE59)
The theoretical lectures are intended to the exposition of the theoretical foundations of the GIS. These classes are essential to contextualize practical classes, so that students understand in which GIS are based on and for which kind of analysis the GIS functions can be applied.
A presentation of each chapter with the basic ideas and, in some cases, with some practical examples will be used in lectures. This presentation will facilitate monitoring of the class. In the virtual course the presentation will be available to the students, including a summary, objectives, bibliographye and an overview, allowing to complete the notes taken at class.
With the aim of achieving an autonomous work of theoretical concepts, the expository teaching will include the explanation of several practical works, which should be carried out by the student in an individual or collaborative way, according to the professor's instructions.

Interactive teaching - workshop (competences CB2, CB3, CG2, CG5, CT2, CE58, CE59)
The practical lectures will take place in the computer room to work with a GIS free software (QGIS). The student will have guidelines for practical lectures in the virtual course. The student should write and deliver a memory of practical lectures following the guidelines.

Tutorials - personalized attention (competences CB2, CB3, CG2, CG5, CT2, CT7, CE58, CE59)
The teacher will resolve the doubts that have arisen both in theoretical classes and practices.

General considerations: to overcome the subject is required to pass the written exam with a calification higher than 4. Attendance to practical lectures must be higher than 80% to be able to include the qualification of the memory of practical lectures in the calculation of the final qualification. In the case that the student does not pass the subject, the qualification of the practical lectures or of the exam will be kept for the following opportunities. For exceptional causes, the student will be able to substitute the attendance to practical lectures by an practical exam. In the case that the student has an attendance exemption, he or she should do an practical exam of the contents teached in the practical lectures. The described assessment system will be used both in the first and in the second opportunities.
Written exam: will be a final examination of the contents of theory.
Portfolio of works: the student should deliver a memory of practical lectures and two practical works corresponding to two chapters of the theoretical program.
The final qualification is obtained by evaluating the corresponding competences in the following proportion:
Exam (40%): competences CB3, CG2, CG5, CT2, CT7, CE58, CE59
Portfolio of works (60%): competences CB2, CB3, CG2, CG5, CT2, CE58, CE59

Cases of fraudulent exercises or tests will be subject to the Regulations applied to evaluate student’s academic performance and grade reviews

Hours of expositive lectures: 30 h presential - 45 h personal work
Hours of interactive lectures: 30 h presential - 45 h personal work

Attendance at lectures.
Use of tutorial hours.
Read recommended bibliography.