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Basics of Geographic Information Systems

Course developer

Replaced course

BūvZB004 [GBUVB004] Basics of Geographic Information Systems

Course abstract

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

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knows the essence of geographical information systems, development history, structure, possibilities, possibilities of use and use in practice - tests.
2. Is able to orientate in the determination and evaluation of the application possibilities of geographic information systems and spatial data available for their use. Able to use GIS software for simple manipulation of GIS data and its sets, ensuring the export of the obtained results to other systems or storage - laboratory works
3. Is able to rationally evaluate the suitability of specific GIS systems and data for the purposes of specific applications, knows the specifics of their use in practice. Is able to perform simple tasks of spatial data search, processing and analysis - laboratory works

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies:
1. Nature and role 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 - Basis for geographic information systems (1h)
5. Basics of designing the development and maintenance of geographic information systems (1h)
6. Technologies for obtaining and processing geographical information (1h)
Test 1: General theoretical and practical principles of GIS. (2h)
7. Technical equipment for geographic information systems (1h)
8. Geographic information system softwares (1h)
9. Geodesy and Geographic Information Systems (1h)
10. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (1h)
11. Geographic information metadata - its nature, structure, application and meaning (1h)
12. Compatibility (interoperability) of geographic information data, its essence and challenges in system functionality (1h)
Test 2: Fundamentals of GIS and its data structure and performance. (2h)
13. Possibilities of geographic information analysis and their processes for users of geographic information systems (1h)
14. Introduction to the organization of information analysis processes using the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (1h)
15. Possibilities and choice of designing the results of the development of geographical information systems (1h)
16. Development of cartographic and visual documentation and their quality assessment (1h)
17. Geographic information systems in Latvia (incl. Legislation, terminology) (1h)
18. Current application of geographic information systems in the national economy and development perspectives of its use. (1h)
Test 3: Basics of GIS analytical activities and visual presentation of results, national legislation and development. (2h)

Laboratory works:
1. Internet search of spatial information, evaluation of the quality of the found data, import and integration into the student's computer work environment, transformations, integration, editing (7h)
2. Development of information products, design, analytical activities in GIS environment, creation of new data - information creation, editing, integration into products (development of personally chosen topics), evaluation of results (7h)
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 (7h)
4. Defended work - defense of presentations (3h).

Part-time studies:
All topics specified for full-time studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is 1/2 of the specified number of hours.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam - written and oral, on the subject issues, according to the received question.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

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 questions. 5 questions according to the study topic; evaluation on a 10-point scale.
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. [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. 397 p.
3. 4. Štrauhmanis J. Kartogrāfija: mācību 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

Professional higher education bachelor study program “Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing” in full-time studies and part-time studies