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Use of Geographic Information System Technologies

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide a theoretical and practical insight into the technologies of Geographic Information Systems, their use and tasks, the importance of development in the national economy. Students will be introduced to the history, structure, functions, classification, understanding of the nature of spatial data creation and use of technologies, standardization, principles, systems, requirements and capabilities of spatial data acquisition, storage, circulation and use. The laboratory will acquire basic knowledge and skills (using ArcGIS software) to know and be able to use the principles of operation of spatial information system software, work with data, data acquisition, Internet search and use of technology in their professional fields.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knows the essence of geographical information systems, history of development, structure, possibilities, technologies and possibilities of use, practical use - tests
2. Is able to orientate in the use of geographical information systems and their technologies, in determining and evaluating the possibilities of using the available spatial data. Able to use GIS software for simple manipulation of GIS data and their sets, ensuring the export of the obtained results to other systems or storage - laboratory work
3. Is able to rationally evaluate the compliance of specific GIS systems and data with the objectives of specific application technologies, to know the specifics of their use in practice. Is able to perform simple tasks of searching, processing and analyzing spatial data. - laboratory work

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The nature and significance of geographic information systems; (1h)
2. History of creation and development of geographic information systems; (1h)
3. Structure / components of geographic information systems and their functions; (1h)
4. Geographic information - the basis of geographic information systems; (1h)
5. Basics of development, maintenance and design of geographic information systems; (1h)
6. Technologies for obtaining and processing geographical information; (1h)
7. Geographic information technologies and their use; (1h)
Test -1: General theoretical and practical principles of GIS. (2h)
8. Technical equipment for geographic information systems; (1h)
9. Geographic information system software; (1h)
10. Geodesy and Geographic Information Systems; (1h)
11. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems; (1h)
12. Geographic information metadata - their nature, structure, application and meaning; (1h)
13. Compatibility (interoperability) of geographic information data, its essence and challenges in the functionality of the system; (1h)
Test 2: Basics of GIS and its data structure and performance. (2h)
14. Possibilities of geographic information analysis and their processes for users of geographic information systems and technologies; (1h)
15. Introduction to the organization of information analysis processes using the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems; (1h)
16. Possibilities and choice of designing the results of the development of geographical information systems; (1h)
17. Development of cartographic and visual documentation and their quality assessment; (1h)
18. Geographic information systems in Latvia (incl. Legislation, terminology); (1h)
19. Current application of geographic information systems in the economy and development perspectives of its use. (2h)
20. Current application of the use of geographic information system technologies in the national economy. (2h)
21. Development perspectives and trends in the use of geographic information system technologies in the world. (2h);
22. Development perspectives and tendencies of the use of geographical information system technologies in Latvia and the region. (2h)
Test 3: Basics of GIS analytical activities and visual presentation of results, national legislation and development. (2h)

Laboratory works:
1. Search of spatial information data on the Internet, evaluation of the quality of the found data, import and integration into the student's computer work environment, transformations, integration, editing;
2. Development of information products, design, analytical activities in GIS environment, creation of new data - information, editing, integration into products (development of personally chosen topics), evaluation of results (9h)
3. Visual design of the obtained results, development of cartographic images, development of presentations, their preparation and transformation in the use of formats, as well as creation of printouts and verification of the obtained results (9h)
4. Completion of completed work - presentations (5h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam - written and oral, on the subject issues

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation for tests;
Development of laboratory works - according to the practical work topic chosen by the student.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Exam - written and oral, on the subject issues, according to the received control questions. 5 questions according to the study topic; evaluation on a 10-point scale.
Total test of the study course
• Results of planned tests - 3
• The result of the defense of the presentation of laboratory works (on the topics acquired within the laboratory work of the study course - according to the topic chosen by the student).
Prerequisites for taking the exam:
- successful assessment in theoretical issues - tests;
- Completed and credited laboratory work tasks (after presentation);
- Attendance of at least 60% of face-to-face classes.

Compulsory reading

1. Stūrmanis E. Ģeoinformācijas sistēmas. Jelgava: LLU, 2006., 90 lpp.
2. Ģeomātikas pamati., Rīgas Tehniskās universitāte . Rīga, 2006. 66 lpp.
3. Mūsdienu Latvijas topogrāfiskās kartes. Rīga: VZD, 2001. 203 lpp
4. Ģeotelpiskās informācijas likums: LR likums. [tiešsaiste] Pieņemts: 17.12.2009. Stājas spēkā: 13.01.2010 [skatīts 26.01.2022.]. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/202999-geotelpiskas-informacijas-likums

Further reading

1. Mūsdienu Latvijas topogrāfiskās kartes. Autoru kolektīvs A. Zelmanis ... u.c. Rīga: VZD, 2001.
2. Kraus K. Photogrammetrie, Band I: Grundlagen und Standartverfahren . , Dummler/Bonn, 1998., 450 p.
3. Kraus K.. Photogrammetry. Vol.1: Fundamentals and standard processes. Köln: Dümmler, 2000. 2000.g.
4. Štrauhmanis J. Kartogrāfija: Mmācību līdzeklis. Rīga: RTU, 2004., 109 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Pieejams: https://www.isprs.org/
European Spatial Data Research. Pieejams: https://www.eurosdr.net;žurnāls “Mērnieks”. ISSN 1407-7124.

Notes

Academic higher education master's study programme “Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing” full-time studies