Geographic Information Systems

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures4

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes20

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation29.01.2018

Responsible UnitInstutute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering

Course developer

prof.

Ainis Lagzdiņš

Dr. sc. ing.

Course abstract

This course is intended to broaden theoretical knowledge and practical application of geographic information systems, as well as provide insight into the methodologies and tools commonly used in geospatial analysis. Students acquire the ability to create, illustrate and analyse geospatial information in a broad range of disciplines.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Upon the completion of this course students will have:
1. Knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and applications of geographic information systems, methods and principles applied in geospatial analysis;
2. Skills to critically evaluate applications and services of geographic information systems, as well as select and apply geospatial information, methods and tools used in geospatial analytics;

3. Competence to apply geographic information systems technologies in professional and research activities.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Principles and content of geographic information systems (2 lectures).
2. Description of ArcGIS software (1 lecture).
3. Data models in GIS (1 lecture).
4. Sources of geospatial information in Latvia and abroad (2 practicals).
5. Creation and editing of geospatial information (3 practicals).
6. Selection of geospatial information – Select By Attributes (3 practicals).
7. Selection of geospatial information – Select By Location (3 practicals).
8. Analysis and visualization of geospatial information (3 practicals).
9. Creation, design, and printing of a digital map (3 practicals).
10. ArcGIS Online (3 practical trainings).

11. Examination (3 hours).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The class attendance on regular basis ensures acquisition of theoretical knowledge and an understanding of its practical application. The independent work facilitates collection and preparation of geospatial information based on the requirements set by the GIS software used. The knowledge and practical skills acquired during the semester are applied in the examination by analysing, visualizing, and interpreting geospatial information of professional interest. The final evaluation of the student’s learning is cumulative, as it integrates the class attendance, independent work and examination.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The independent work consists of identification, collection and a summary of geospatial, statistical or other information of professional interest for further integration into the GIS software and of application of analytical methods for mapping purposes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Theoretical knowledge and an understanding of their practical application must be acquired. The final evaluation (100%) consists of class attendance (20%), independent work (30%) and an examination (50%). The type of examination – a test with a mark.

Compulsory reading

1. Stūrmanis E. Ģeoinformācijas sistēmas. Jelgava: LLU/RTU, 2006. 90 lpp.
2. Mūsdienu Latvijas topogrāfiskās kartes. Autoru kolektīvs: A. Zelmanis ... u.c. Valsts zemes dienests. Rīga: Valsts zemes dienests, 2001. 203 lpp.
3. The Earth Observation Handbook [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 08.01.2018.]. Pieejams: http://www.eohandbook.com
Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Rīgas ģeogrāfiskās informācijas sistēma. Pieejams: http://www.rigis.lv/RIGIS/main.asp
Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.
2. Lauku reģistra ģeogrāfiskā informācija. Pieejams: http://www.karte.lad.gov.lv
Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.
3. Meliorācijas digitālā kadastra informācija. Pieejams: https://www.melioracija.lv/
Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

Notes

Academic master’s study programme “Economics”, specialization in “Sustainable Territorial Development and Marketing” of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development.

Atsauksmes