Introduction to the fundamental concepts and data processing capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Practical application of geospatial data management and analysis functions based on a selected geoscience project.
Learning objective
Students can - explain the basic principles of GIS - solve a complex, real-world GIS problem in the field of Earth Science - apply the principles of data modelling and geoprocessing with ArcGIS Pro: data design and modelling, data acquisition, data integration of different data types (including LiDAR data), spatial analysis of vector and raster data, special functions for digital terrain modelling and hydrology, map production and 3D visualisation.
Content
Theoretical introduction to the concepts, spatial data types and spatial data handling functions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Application of data modeling principles and geoprocessing capabilities using ArcGIS Pro: data design and modeling, data acquisition, data acquisition and integration, spatial analysis of vector and raster data, particular functions for digital terrain modeling and hydrology, map generation and 3D-visualization.
Lecture notes
Lecture Script: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Tutorial: Introduction to ArcGIS Pro. All lecture materials are provided digitally.
Literature
Longley P.A., Goodchild M.F., Maguire D.J., Rhind D.W. (2015): Geographic Information Systems and Science. Fourth Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Burrough P.A., McDonnell R.A. and Lloyd C.D. (2015): Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Third edition. Oxford : Oxford University Press, England.
Jones, C.B. (2013): Geographical Information Systems and Computer Cartography. Taylor & Francis eBooks Complete. Available Online ETHZ library.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Techniques and Technologies
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Media and Digital Technologies
assessed
Problem-solving
assessed
Project Management
fostered
Social Competencies
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
fostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Self-direction and Self-management
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course