GRS-10306 Introduction Geo-information Science

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures16
Practical extensively supervised24
Practical intensively supervised28
Problem-based learning8
Course coordinator(s)ir. AR Bergsma
ing. WTh ten Haaf
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. RJA van Lammeren
PFM Wenting
dr. H Bartholomeus
dr. ir. A Ligtenberg
ir. AR Bergsma
ing. WTh ten Haaf
dr. ir. L Kooistra
dr. ir. JGPW Clevers
CH Kooiman
Examiner(s)dr. ir. RJA van Lammeren
ing. WTh ten Haaf

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

GRS-20306 Remote Sensing; GRS-20806 Geo-information Tools; GRS-51306 Geo-information Science for Society.

Contents:

The course introduces Geo-Information Science and its scientific and societal interests. The starting point of the introduction is the geo-information cycle. This cycle frames geo data based actions like acquisition and storage, processing and visualization. It is explained that these actions can be used to describe, to analyse, to design and to realize real world phenomena. Thus geo data is always acquired, processed and visualized with a specific purpose. This is illustrated via the conceptual, formal and technical modelling steps.
Important in these modelling steps are the roles of geographical data attributes (thematic, geometric, temporal). Because the acquisition and processing of geo data is purposive, meta data plays an important role to find geo data and geo data processing steps. It also is important to evaluate the (re)usability of geo data and geo data processing steps. Meta data explain important geo data characteristics like (geo)reference, map projection and available attributes. Geo-visualization, especially cartography concepts, is introduced to show how geo data ought to be communicated. After the introduction of the geo data related concepts, the course offers the geo data processing options. The latter is done by the introduction of three data handling classes (query, transform and alter) and the data-action model. The geo data that represent terrain height and processing of these elevation data has given notice. Besides, basic concepts of Remote Sensing (spectral signature, sensor types, visual and quantitative processing) are also introduced. The application of all concepts is practiced during a practical and by a small project using professional software and data according a working procedure.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of the course students are expected to be able to:
- recognize the basic terms of Geo-Information Science as may be encountered in science and society;
- explain the components of the geo-information cycle and the main concepts of Geo-Information Science as needed in a study project;
- practice elementary geo-information science (data & software) skills in a project;
- report the application of geo-information science by an elementary technical report and a basic problem oriented presentation.

Activities:

- follow lectures and practical's on geo data concepts, geo-reference & map projection, cartography, data acquisition, data-handling classes, remote sensing;
- study text books on the previously mentioned topics;
- practice these concepts by realizing a small project in which GIS and remote sensing knowledge and skills are applied;
- present small project results by a technical report that describes the application procedure and by a slide presentation that shows the application results.

Examination:

- three digital multiple choice 'closed book' tests (60%);
- applied GIS project report (40%)
Students need to have a minimum partial grade of 5.5 for both parts.

Literature:

Chang, k. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, McGraw-Hill, (Latest edition).
Syllabus: Clevers, J. (ed). Introduction remote sensing. (Latest edition).
Introduction Geo-Information Science: Practical manual: Kempen, B., W.ten Haaf (eds) (Latest edition).

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BSWSoil, Water, AtmosphereBSc4WD
BBNForest and Nature ConservationBSc2MO
BILInternational Land and Water ManagementBSc3WD
BESEnvironmental SciencesBScB: Environmental Quality and Systems Analysis3WD
Restricted Optional for: BBIBiologyBScD: Ecology and Biodiversity2MO
MGIGeo-Information ScienceMSc1MO, 4WD
MUEUrban Environmental ManagementMSc1MO
MinorPeriod
Restricted Optional for: WUGISBSc Minor Geo-information for Environment and Society1MO, 4WD
WUILWBSc Minor International Land and Water Management3WD