Geographic Information Systems

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
INF/01
Language
Italian
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 properly work with geospatial data (both in vector and raster format) in a GIS environment. The course is structured in order to provide the key GIS background to Students with no prior experience, with GIS in general and/or the ArcGIS PRO software, and consolidate the knowledge of those with basic experience.
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, and (v) communicating their findings clearly and effectively to different audiences.
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 and Surface Modeling in ArcGIS PRO
11) Integrating Vector and Raster Data for Supporting Real-World Applications
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 for the lectures and compulsory for the 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
- 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 2-part examination: (1) a one and half hour written test aimed at verifying the theoretical and conceptual knowledge acquired during the course, and (2) a one and half hour computer-based test aimed at assessing the ability of applying the theoretical and conceptual knowledge, as well as the technical skills, acquired during the course. 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 final grade, determined by mathematically averaging the marks of the two tests and rounding up the result, will be given on a scale out of thirty (30/30). The minimum passing grade for both tests is 18/30. Results and grades will be communicated online using the Exam Verbalization service available on the UNIMI intranet. Rejection of the grades, and/or failure to pass either one or both tests, will not prevent from registering for the next tests. There will be no intermediate examinations.
The evaluation criteria, applied to verify the level of learning and assign the grades, include:
- the general level of knowledge and the ability to contextualize it;
- the ability to understand and answer the questions formulated in the written test, and the ability to understand and solve the tasks described in practical test;
- the ability to think critically and structuring/sustaining arguments;
- the ability to independently apply the acquired knowledge to solve the practical tasks;
- 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.
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Shifts:
turno 1
Professor: Sorichetta Alessandro
turno 2
Professor: Sorichetta Alessandro