Geospatial Analytics

Objectives

With Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users can analyze and display geographically referenced information to explore the fundamental principle of geography, location. GIS is used in many different aspects of life, such for predicting occurrences, optimize routes or finding the best place according to a set of criteria. With GIS is possible to describe ´what´, explore ´where´ and explain ´why/how´. This allow us to make better decisions in real life contexts.

Recently, GIS capabilities on the web are richer and full of valuable resources. Spatial information can be presented and analyzed through a set of applications, such as online dashboards or other geo-apps that can be feed with real-time information. The meaning of place and information has an increased societal value within the development for a sustainable and connected world.

In this class we will explore advanced GIS topics such as spatial modeling or network analysis within the geospatial analytics conception. We will also learn how to create geo-apps for analyzing and displaying spatial information.  Space-time patterns will also be explored.

Students will learn how to develop geospatial models and create geo-apps to share online. Furthermore, students will understand spatial relationships based on geostatistical methods.

By the end of this course it is expected that students develop their GIS practical skills, being able to implement a geospatial analytical model and create their own geo-app. Most importantly, it is expected that students would be capable to use and apply GIS for their own interest topics.

General characterization

Code

100148

Credits

4.0

Responsible teacher

Susana Isabel Nogueira Diogo Martins Marques

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese. If there are Erasmus students, classes will be taught in English

Prerequisites

None

Bibliography

- Mitchell, 2020, The ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis: Volume 2: Spatial Measurements & Statistics, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Redland California, 250p, ISBN: 9781589486089

 

- Fu, 2020, Getting to Know Web GIS, fourth edition, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Redland California, 504p, ISBN: 9781589485938

 

- Law and Collins, 2019, Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro, second edition, ESRI Press, Redlands California, 512p, ISBN: 9781589485372

 

- Smith et al., 2018, Geospatial analysis: a comprehensive guide to principles, techniques and software tools, Drumlin Security Ltd, 618p, ISBN: 1912556049

 

- Longley et al., 2015, Geographic Information Science and Systems, fourth edition, Wiley, 496p, ISBN: 9781118676950

Teaching method

The curricular unit is based on theoretical-practical lessons, which include the presentation of concepts and methodologies, sharing and understanding examples, discussion and interpretation of results. The practical component allows for solving exercises, clarifying doubts and supporting projects. The practical component will be taught using GIS in desktop software (ESRI ArcGIS Pro). ArcGIS online will be explored in the Cloud.

 

Evaluation method

1st call: 1 test (20%) and project (80%)

2nd call: exam (50%) and project (50%)

Subject matter

The curricular unit (CU) is organized into 6 Learning Units (LU):

LU1 - Distribution of spatial data

LU2 - Analysis of relationships and spatial patterns

LU3 - Spatio-temporal analysis

LU4 - Location and path analysis

LU5 - Spatial Modeling

LU6 - WebGIS