99047 - Geomatics for Urban and Regional Analysis

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

MODULE 1 (40h)

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

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

- technological issues: main types and characteristics of airborne systems and terrestrial instruments (ranging laser scanners for applications in Architecture and Civil Engineering, triangulators, light projection scanners);
- methods and phases for data processing of point clouds and meshes;
- elements of Photogrammetry for the survey of structures and objects;
- final products for territorial and building scale applications;
- examples of data acquisition and processing, practical exercises.

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

- characteristics of multispectral satellite sensors;
- main spatial missions;
- derivation of indices for urban and environmental applications;
- image classification for Land Use - Land Cover thematic maps;
- the European Copernicus Program and related Services, Corine Land Cover;

MODULE 2 (20h)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS):

- context, evolution and main fields of application;
- main spatial data models, formats and reference systems for GIS applications;
- hands-on QGIS exercises for importing, editing and organizing geospatial datasets;
- several activities follow a learn-by-doing approach using real case studies;
- fundamentals of GIS-based data analysis for Decision Support at regional and urban level.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Surveying and Data Processing:

- selection of UAV payloads according to survey objectives and expected products;
- flight planning: overlap, altitude, resolution, acquisition geometry and survey area;
- operational, regulatory and environmental constraints, including Ground Control Point planning;
- practical UAV survey planning and field data acquisition activity;
- generation, analysis and GIS integration of UAV-derived geospatial products.

A crowdmapping activity (Mapathon) on a Web platform, based on the use of satellite images, will be organized in the framework of an international event (topics: risk management and sustainability, rapid mapping for humanitarian purposes).

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific literature will be provided in digital format, together with main slides and notes from the lessons. Virtuale 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

- Chuvieco E.: "Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing", 4th Ed., CRC Presws, 2026

- 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 Virtuale didactic platform is used to provide all the didactic material.

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.

Assessment methods

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

Teaching tools

A part of the course is pursued through practical exercises, carried out on the personal computer of the student by software (mainly open-source) provided by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriele Bitelli

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