93718 - Geomatics for Urban and Regional Analysis

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Building Engineering -Architecture (cod. 5697)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the theoretical and operational knowledge for the processing of data in Geographic Information Systems (applications in the environmental field, networks and infrastructures, urban systems, risk management) and for the use of digital satellite images for mapping , monitoring and governing the territory (both in urban areas and infrastructures and at the basin and regional level).

Course contents

The course deals with the modern Geomatics methods for mapping and monitoring urban and regional environments.

A first part of the course is dedicated to the review or introduction of the main aspects of surveying and mapping, geodetic-cartographic reference systems and basic data analysis procedures for geospatial data. Role of spatial positioning (GNSS/GPS) in establishing global reference systems.

Airborne and Terrestrial Laser Scanning for 3D City Models and 3D survey of structures and infrastructures:

- technological issues: main types and characteristics of airborne systems and terrestrial instruments (laser scanners for applications in Architecture and Civil Engineering, triangulators, light projection scanners);
- methods and phases for data processing of pointclouds and meshes;
- final products for territorial and building scale applications;
- practical examples.

Earth Observation / Remote Sensing, use of satellite imagery and derived products:

- characteristics of multispectral satellite sensors;
- main spatial missions;
- processing of single or combined bands;
- derivation of indices;
- image classification for Land Use - Land Cover thematic maps;
- the European Copernicus Program and related Services;
- practical examples of Remote Sensing applications for urban and environmental applications and risk management.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS):

- context and evolution;
- main data structures and data categories;
- organizational aspects;
- fundamentals of GIS-based data analysis for Decision Support at regional and urban level;
- main functionalities and applications, practical examples.


All the main topics will be discussed by the theoretical aspects and with practical computer exercises, using Open Source software. A crowdmapping activity will be organized in the framework of an international event.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific literature will be provided in digital format, together with slides and notes from the lessons. IOL didactic platform will be used.

Further bibliographic references:

- Tolpekin V., Stein A.: "The core of GIScience: a systems-based approach", University of Twente, 2012

- Burrough P.A., McDonnell R.A., LLoyd C.D.: "Principles of Geographical Information Systems", Oxford University Press, 2015

- Weng Q.: "Techniques and Methods in Urban Remote Sensing", Wiley, 2020

- Holdstock D.: "Strategic GIS planning and management in local government", CRC Press, 2017

- Konecny G.: "Geoinformation: Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems", 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2014

Teaching methods

The IOL didactic platform is used.

The lectures will be supplemented with practical exercises using preferably open source software packages. These activities are structured so that during each session students will be able to produce practical solutions to the theoretical problems outlined during lectures.

A specific activity will be realized regarding crowdmapping, in the framework of an international event (topics: risk management and sustainability).

Assessment methods

The examination at the end of the course is in written form (open and closed questions) with eventual oral integration, and aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by projected slides and multimedia tools.

A part of the course is pursued through practical exercises, carried out on the personal computer of the student by software provided by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriele Bitelli

SDGs

Sustainable cities Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.