57929 - Laboratory Of Geomatics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: - has acquired the theoretical and practical bases of cartographic survey and representation; - has been introduced to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) on raster and vector layers, for data spatialization and spatial planning; - has acquired a basic knowledge of remote sensing and satellite image analysis.

Course contents

Prerequisites. Students taking this course must possess a basic background in mathematics and physics, as required for admission to the degree program. No prior knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required.

Module 1 (Prof. Daniele Torreggiani) (20 hours)

1.1 Fundamentals of cartography: representation of the Earth, horizontal and vertical datums, projection systems, and cartographic reference systems

1.2 Introduction to digital cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

1.3 Introduction to QGIS software: main commands and functions; geodata: sources and online mapping services

1.4 Practical exercises with QGIS software:
- loading, symbolizing, and querying vector and raster maps; reclassification; defining and transforming reference systems
- creating and editing maps and attribute tables; selecting features based on attributes and location; joins and spatial joins
- main geoprocessing functions: proximity analysis, buffer analysis, overlay mapping, extraction, and mosaicking
- analysis and interpretation of land-use maps and land-use changes (aggregate assessments, maps, and transition matrices)
- print layout and export settings: creating legends, managing multiple data frames

1.5 GPS: fundamentals and applications; importing measurements into QGIS

Module 2 (Prof. Federico Magnani) (20 hours)

2.1 Optional QGIS modules

2.2 Practical exercises with QGIS software:
- analysis of raster layers using Landsat 8 satellite imagery; creating virtual rasters; pseudocolor and false-color visualization; reprojection and resampling; band operations
- raster layer analysis: vector-to-raster conversion, contextual analysis (slope, aspect, distance)
- georeferencing of vector and raster images (against an existing georeferenced layer or from scratch)


2.3 Introduction to GRASS software: structure, main commands and functions, layer import and export, use of GUI and scripting languages

2.4 Exercises with GRASS software:
- management and analysis of vector layers
- management and analysis of raster layers: contextual operators on raster layers (slope, aspect, illumination maps, watershed delineation)
- management and analysis of raster layers: aggregate assessments and transition matrices

2.5 Exercises with QGIS software for the exam: analysis of 4 case studies

The knowledge and skills acquired in this course will be applied in the following courses:
CADASTRAL CARTOGRAPHY, CAD, AND LANDSCAPE READING
FOREST MONITORING AND REMOTE SENSING
FOREST PLANNING AND CERTIFICATION
LANDSCAPE PLANNING

Readings/Bibliography

Considering the wide range of topics addressed, the course can be studied on slides and material provided by the lecturer on the IOL (Insegnamenti Online) repository. For further reading:

1. Casagrande L., Cavallini P., Frigeri A., Furieri A., Marchesini I., Neteler M. (2012). GIS Open Source. GRASS GIS, Quantum GIS e SpatiaLite. Elementi di software libero applicato al territorio. Dario Flaccovio Editore.

2. Longley P.A., Goodchild M.F., Maguire D.J., Rhind D.W. (2011) Geographic information Systems and Science. John Wiley and Sons

3. Migliaccio F. (2007) Sistemi Informativi Territoriali e Cartografia. Maggioli Editore

4. Migliaccio F., Carrion D. (2020) Sistemi Informativi Territoriali, UTET Università

5. GIS e ambiente, Guida all'uso di ArcGIS per l'analisi del territorio e la valutazione ambientale. G. Graci, P. Pileri, M. Sedazzari, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 2008.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 2 integrated modules, each focused on a specific topic of geomatics and carried out by lecturers of specific competence. Following a theoretical introduction, each topic is covered through (i) a general introduction and (ii) hands-on laboratory practicals carried out by students under the supervision of the lecturer in a computer room equipped with individual PCs loaded with required GIS packages. The ArcGIS software is available to students in a computer room also outside lectures, according to current lab rules. Moreover, extensive use of freeware software (QGIS, GRASS) makes it possible for students to experience further even at a distance. Following the course, each student will be asked to analyze a case study by GIS techniques.

GPS practicals will be carried out in the field under the supervision of the lecturer, using instrumentation provided by the University.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online

Assessment methods

The final assessment is based on frequency of lectures and practicals and on a final test at the end of the coourse. This will consist of (i) questions related to the content of lectures from both Units, (ii) a discussion of results of practicals and (iii) the presentation of a case study, independently analyzed by the student.

The assessment will focus on a student’s knowledge and understanding, the quality of practicals results and the quality of his presentation.

Teaching tools

Practicals in computer room, with PCs available for each student and required GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS). GPS instrumentation.

Slides for all lectures are made available beforehand to the students through the Virtuale portal (virtuale.unibo.it).

Office hours

See the website of Federico Magnani

See the website of Daniele Torreggiani