GRS-10806 Introduction Geo-information Science and Graphics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Continuation courses:

LAD-23312, LUP-11806, GRS-20806

Contents:

Description and communication of the human environment is mainly based on visual expressions like maps, pictures and projection drawings . Due to technological and social developments of the last six decennia these visual expressions are considerably translated into digital concepts and techniques. As an example we may point at the internet spread of virtual globes and location based photo sites since the beginning of the 21st century.
The course introduces the concepts behind the virtual globes, digital maps and visualization techniques by two mutually related view angles: geographical information science and graphical semiotics. The course offers an introduction of concepts and hands on in graphical and geographical information processing which support the many landscape and environment oriented studies. Overall aim is to understand the basic concepts of geographical and graphical information to understand environmental situations and processes, and to design new directions, based on that understanding.
From the geographical information perspective the geo-information cycle is introduced via description of real world phenomena in geographical and graphical formats , the options to the analysis and to the syntheses of these formats. Concepts to be discussed and practised are real world descriptions (conceptual, formal and technical), geographical information attributes (thematic, geometric, temporal), geo-reference, geo data handling classes, including their functions, and geo-visualization. The communication perspective induces the introduction of basics of graphical semiotics in combination with adequate use of language for efficient visual communication of results of description, analysis and design to laymen and/or professionals. Concepts like real world description, handling classes and visualisation will be elaborated upon, in preparatory sketches and digital drawings with text added. Examples will be given for each of the concepts.

Learning outcomes:

After this course students are expected to be able to:
- recognize the basic terminology of the geographical information science and graphical semiotics concepts;
- understand and illustrate the geo-information cycle, components and handling classes;
- understand and illustrate the semiotic concepts of graphics and colour in relation to mapping and communicating graphically the environment;
- practise and demonstrate the application of elementary Geographical and Graphical data processing software skills and basic drawing.

Activities:

- study text books in relation to lectures and assignments;
- practice concepts and techniques by assignments and case studies;
- during the assignments and case studies supporting software and basic drawing will be trained and used in favour of poster and map design and geo data analysis and synthesis.

Examination:

- assessment of assignments and case studies;
- written examination.

Literature:

Course book Introduction Geo-information Science for Landscape planning and design to be announced, Course Introduction of Graphical semiotics ( Van Haaften, A. Tekentaal, 1st edition) and a practical manual IGG.