Geographic Information System
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This course aims to give an overview of the different GIS applications and provide the conceptual, and theoretical knowledge, as well as the technical skills, allowing to (1) properly work with geospatial data (both in vector and raster format) in a GIS environment, and (2) develop automatic, reusable, and sharable GIS workflows. The course is structured in order to provide the key GIS background to Students with no prior experience, consolidate the knowledge of those with basic experience, and finally allow all Students to acquire some of the advanced knowledge and skills required to automatize GIS tasks/workflows.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to gain the theoretical and conceptual competencies, as well as the technical skills for (i) working with georeferenced vector and raster datasets in a GIS environment, (ii) creating, editing, and querying geospatial datasets, (iii) using geospatial data to represent real world objects, and model real world geospatial processes and phenomena, (iv) analyzing geospatial data to produce new knowledge and extract actionable information, (v) developing reusable and sharable automatic workflows, and (vi) communicating their findings clearly and effectively to different audiences.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction to Geographic Information System and Spatial Analysis
2) Vector Data Model
3) Raster Data Model
4) Coordinate Reference Systems and Map Projections
5) Relational Databases and their Implementation in ArcGIS PRO
6) Visualizing Geospatial Data and Creating Maps in ArcGIS PRO
7) Digitizing, Editing and Querying Vector Data in ArcGIS PRO
8) Working with Vector Data in ArcGIS PRO
9) Working with Raster Data in ArcGIS PRO
10) Digital Elevation Model, Surface Modeling, and Hydrology Modeling in ArcGIS PRO
11) Integrating Vector and Raster Data for Supporting Real-World Applications
12) Using ModelBuilder for automatizing workflows in AccGIS PRO
2) Vector Data Model
3) Raster Data Model
4) Coordinate Reference Systems and Map Projections
5) Relational Databases and their Implementation in ArcGIS PRO
6) Visualizing Geospatial Data and Creating Maps in ArcGIS PRO
7) Digitizing, Editing and Querying Vector Data in ArcGIS PRO
8) Working with Vector Data in ArcGIS PRO
9) Working with Raster Data in ArcGIS PRO
10) Digital Elevation Model, Surface Modeling, and Hydrology Modeling in ArcGIS PRO
11) Integrating Vector and Raster Data for Supporting Real-World Applications
12) Using ModelBuilder for automatizing workflows in AccGIS PRO
Prerequisites for admission
None (basic knowledge of GIS fundamental concepts and terminology would be helpful).
Teaching methods
Traditional, through lectures and computer-based practicals using the same GIS software that will be used for the practical test. Attendance: strongly recommended both for the lectures and practicals.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides, practicals and the related input data, as well as the GIS software for the practicals, will be made available on MyAriel (https://myariel.unimi.it/).
- Principles of Geographical Information Systems by Peter A. Burrough, Rachael A. McDonnell, Christopher D. Lloyd; Oxford University Press
- The Esri Guide to GIS Analysis, Volume 1: Geographic Patterns and Relationships by Andy Mitchell
- Getting to Know ArcGIS PRO 2.8 di Michael Law, Amy Collins
- GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS PRO 3.1 by Wilpen L. Gorr, Kristen S. Kurland; Esri Press
- Principles of Geographical Information Systems by Peter A. Burrough, Rachael A. McDonnell, Christopher D. Lloyd; Oxford University Press
- The Esri Guide to GIS Analysis, Volume 1: Geographic Patterns and Relationships by Andy Mitchell
- Getting to Know ArcGIS PRO 2.8 di Michael Law, Amy Collins
- GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS PRO 3.1 by Wilpen L. Gorr, Kristen S. Kurland; Esri Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment will consist in a 3-part examination: (1) a 1 and half hour written test aimed at verifying theoretical and conceptual knowledge acquired during the course, (2) a 1 and half hour computer-based test aimed at evaluating the ability of applying the theoretical and conceptual knowledge, as well as the technical skills, acquired during the course, and (3) an oral exam aimed at better assessing the overall level of knowledge. The written test will consist of a combination of multiple-choice (15) and open (5) questions. The computer-based test will consist of a number of practical exercises to be solved using ArcGIS PRO. The oral exam will consist in a discussion, initially based on the results of the written and practical test, covering any of the topics taught during the course.
The final grade, determined by mathematically averaging the marks of the three parts and rounding up the result, will be given on a scale out of thirty (30/30). The minimum passing grade for each part of the exam is 18/30. Results and grades of both tests will be communicated online using the Exam Verbalization service available on the UNIMI intranet. The final grade will be communicated at the end of the oral exam. Rejection of any grades, and/or failure to pass one test, both tests, or the oral exam, will not prevent from registering for the next tests/oral exam. There will be no intermediate examinations.
The evaluation criteria applied to verify the level of learning will include:
- the general level of knowledge and the ability to contextualize it;
- the ability to understand and answer the questions formulated both in the written test and during the oral exam, and the ability to understand and solve the tasks described in the practical test;
- the ability to think critically and structuring/sustaining arguments;
- the ability to independently apply the acquired knowledge to solve the practical exercises;
- the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
If needed, additional information on the assessment criteria and how the exam will be conduct will be provided during the course.
The final grade, determined by mathematically averaging the marks of the three parts and rounding up the result, will be given on a scale out of thirty (30/30). The minimum passing grade for each part of the exam is 18/30. Results and grades of both tests will be communicated online using the Exam Verbalization service available on the UNIMI intranet. The final grade will be communicated at the end of the oral exam. Rejection of any grades, and/or failure to pass one test, both tests, or the oral exam, will not prevent from registering for the next tests/oral exam. There will be no intermediate examinations.
The evaluation criteria applied to verify the level of learning will include:
- the general level of knowledge and the ability to contextualize it;
- the ability to understand and answer the questions formulated both in the written test and during the oral exam, and the ability to understand and solve the tasks described in the practical test;
- the ability to think critically and structuring/sustaining arguments;
- the ability to independently apply the acquired knowledge to solve the practical exercises;
- the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
If needed, additional information on the assessment criteria and how the exam will be conduct will be provided during the course.
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 5
ICAR/06 - SURVEYING AND MAPPING - University credits: 1
ICAR/06 - SURVEYING AND MAPPING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Sorichetta Alessandro
Professor(s)