The following is a brief description of each module that is included or considered in the course.
Introduction to GISystems
This module provides a general introduction to the discipline GIScience&Technology. Terminology and components of GIS are introduced followed by its scope and history. An overview of current GI technology is given followed by a discussion about aspects of integrating spatial information into general ICT and pointing out the emerging GIS communities as well as the ever growing GI industry and its market. The module concludes with lessons dedicated to the spatial reference systems emphasizing the importance of positioning with coordinate systems, and introducing map projections.
Spatial Data Models and Data Structures
This module introduces spatial concepts and establishes a framework for spatial thinking; thus it provides insight into the specifics of modelling spatial information. The majority of disciplines are non-spatial and many people are spatially unaware. This module is designed to overcome this deficiency and, at the same time, show the way spatial thinking and modelling can be implemented into computer programmes.
Geodata: Acquisition and Sources
This module focuses on acquisition of spatial data, its principles and respective techniques. Data quality is directly connected to the applied acquisition method(s). Therefore quality concepts and metrics are introduced. Rapid increase of data and its availability requires metadata for their effective and efficient search; thus the principles of metadata are presented. The module concludes with a discussion of related legal aspects and ethical issues.
Geo-DBMS
This module establishes the foundations of data organisation and database management systems (DBMS). The module covers techniques and tools for the design of DBMS. Various types / architectures of DBMS are discussed with special emphasis on relational, object-oriented and object-relational databases. Structured Query Language (SQL) is introduced both from the point of view of the logic of querying a relational database as well as defining its structure. The second part of this module deals with geoDBMS, i.e. DBMS specially tailored to handle spatial data. In particular, the representation of simple features as well as an efficient multidimensional access to spatial data is discussed. Concepts of warehousing and benefits of data mining conclude this module.
Spatial Analysis
Spatial analysis is one of the most important components of any GISystem. In this module the principles and main concepts of spatial analysis are presented. An overview of the functions - analysis tools - as well as their classifications are given and illustrated by numerous examples. Particular attention is paid to issues like map algebra, distance-based analysis, network analysis, allocation, interpolation and fuzzy-set analysis, to mention only a few. The module concludes with discussing models for spatial decision support as these are based on geographical analysis outcomes.
Cartography and Visualisation
This module looks at issues of purpose, parsimony, and design; that is, why, what and how to (spatially) communicate. Cartography and GIS are tools which serve communication goals. The recent use of computers in cartography and consequently in GIS have considerably changed the design and presentation of maps and diagrams. Foundations of cartography and of visual communication are revisited. Issues such as static, dynamic, surface or fly-through visualisation are discussed as well as some cutting-edge work in GIS like immersive visualisation tools or 3D rendering of geospatial objects.
Application Development
This module covers aspects of application development. Currently, application development using VBA is taught.