To make students familiar with the basic concepts of Geographical Information Systems.
Geographical Information Systems: Introduction, Definition, Components of a GIS- computer systems, software, spatial data, data management and analysis procedures, Applications of GIS.
Spatial Data: Introduction, Maps and their influence on the character of spatial data, Spatial entities, projections, Spatial referencing, Thematic characteristics of spatial data, Other sources of spatial data (Census and survey data, Aerial photographs, Satellite images).
Spatial data modelling: Introduction, Entity definition, Spatial data models, Spatial data structures (Raster and Vector), Modelling surfaces- Raster approach to Digital terrain modeling and Vector approach to digital terrain modeling, Modelling networks, Modelling the third dimension ,Modelling the fourth dimension.
Attribute data management: Introduction, Database approach, DBMS, Database data models, Creating a database (Linking spatial and attribute data), GIS database application, Further Developments in databases.
Data input and editing: - Introduction, Methods of data input, Data editing, Detecting and correcting errors, re-projections, transformation and generalization, edge matching and rubber sheeting, Integrated Database.
Data analysis: - Introduction, Measurements in GIS-lengths perimeters and areas, Queries, Reclassification, Buffering and neighbourhood functions, Integrating data – map overlay (vector and raster), Spatial interpolation, Analysis of surfaces – calculating slope and aspect, visibility analysis, Shortest Path Algorithms.
Analytical modeling in GIS : - Introduction, Process models – natural and scale analogue model, conceptual model, mathematical models, Process modelling and GIS. Modelling physical and environmental processes, Modelling human processes, Modelling the decision-making process, Problems with using GIS to model spatial processes.
Output : from new maps to enhanced decisions : - Introduction to Output: from new maps to enhanced decisions, Maps as output, Non-cartographic output, Spatial multimedia, Mechanisms of delivery, GIS and spatial decision support.
Data Quality Issues: Describing data quality and errors, sources of error in GIS, finding and modeling errors in GIS, managing GIS error, Software ArcView and Map Information