Geographic Information Technology

Objectives

Knowledge

1. To Know the specific nature of GI
2. To know how to digitally represent space through GIS
3. To associate spatial representation models to specific case-studies
4. To know the development cycle of a GIS-based application

Application

5. To use the potential of GI Technology
6. To develop a small dimension GIS project

Soft-Skills

7. Time management and organization
8. To present work in oral and written form
9. To recognize and evaluate users’ needs

General characterization

Code

8300

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Maria Armanda Simenta Rodrigues Grueau, Nuno Manuel Robalo Correia

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 56

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Databases;

Computer Graphics and Interfaces;

Algorithms and Datastructures

Bibliography

Longley, P.A.,  Goodchild, M. F:, Maguire, D. J.,  Rhind, D. W, Geographic Information Science and Systems, 4th Edition, Wiley, 2015.

Worboys, M. and Duckham, M. GIS: A Computing Perspective, 2nd Edition,CRC Press, 2004.

Matos, J., Fundamentos de Informação Geográfica, 4ª Edição, LIDEL.

Teaching method

Theoretical issues are introduced in lectures, and instantiated in exercises and examples in labs, as the students build a body of techniques to support the development of the practical assignment. This component is evaluated through 2 tests resulting in a tests grade of 60% of the final grade (NT). Both tests are worth 30% of the final grade.

Students must develop a group assignment in which they conceive and develop a system contemplating fundamental requirements in geo-referenced systems, and which will be subject to delivery on a fixed date. These students must write a report describing their system and present their work. The assignment grade is worth 40% of the final grade (NP).

In the appeal season, the tests grade is replaced by the exam grade, which is worth 60% (NT) of the final grade.

A student is approved if both NP and NT are greater or equal to 9.5 points out of 20. 

Evaluation method

Theoretical issues are introduced in lectures, and instantiated in exercises and examples in labs, as the students build a body of techniques to support the development of the practical assignment. This component is evaluated through 2 tests resulting in a tests grade of 60% of the final grade (NT). Both tests are worth 30% of the final grade.

The tests are in person, individual, written and without consultation. Electronic devices (e.g. calculators, mobile phones, smartwatches and laptops) are not allowed.

Students must develop a group assignment in which they conceive and develop a system contemplating fundamental requirements in geo-referenced systems, and which will be subject to delivery on a fixed date. These students must write a report describing their system and present their work. The assignment grade is worth 40% of the final grade (NP).

In the appeal season, the tests'' grade is replaced by the exam grade, which is worth 60% (NT) of the final grade.

A student is approved if both NP and NT are greater or equal to 9.5 points out of 20. 

The tests results are rounded to the nearest decimal.

The practical assignment and exam results are rounded to the nearest integer value. So is NT.

Subject matter

A. Introduction to Geographic Information (GI)

  • Nature and functionality of GI

B. Fundamental spatial concepts

  • Euclidean space, Sets, Topology, Networks, Metric Spaces

C. GI Representation Models

  • Field-based models
  • Entity-based models

D. GI Data structures

  • Representing field-based models
  • Representing entity-based models (Objects)
  • Vector and Raster formats
  • Network representation

E. GIS architectures

  • Hybrid, integrated and composed architectures
  • Distributed architectures
  • Location-based systems

F. User-interfaces for GIS

  • Cartographic interfaces
  • Geo-visualization
  • Developing interfaces for GIS

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: