C9247 - CARTOGRAFIA E APPLICAZIONI GIS

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the fundamentals of cartography and spatial analysis of the Earth's surface, the theory of Earth's reference systems, and the principles and theoretical models underlying Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The course will cover: types of geographical representation; geographical and projected coordinate systems; exercises on geographical and spatial data, including topographic profiles; handling reference systems and georeferencing spatial information; using GIS software; and managing different geospatial datasets. Together with the fundaments of the geospatial analysis, students will learn a complete GIS workflow, from acquiring and processing to visualizing geospatial information. They will also learn how to extract and interpret Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), with practical examples of data analysis using satellite datasets from space agencies.

Course contents

Introduction to Cartography for Earth Sciences

Representation of the Earth's surface
Types of maps: topographic, geological, and thematic
Map scale and spatial resolution
Elements of a topographic map
Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) and planar/Cartesian coordinates: advantages and limitations of both systems
Reading IGMI (Italian Military Geographic Institute) 1:25,000 topographic maps (symbols, contour lines, and kilometer grid)

Geodetic Reference Systems

Earth's reference surfaces: physical surface, geoid, and reference ellipsoid
The concept of a geodetic datum: local reference systems and global/geocentric reference systems
Vertical reference systems: ellipsoidal height and orthometric height
Overview of the geodetic datums historically adopted in Italy (Roma40, ED50, WGS84): origin, associated ellipsoids, and reference epochs

Map Projections and National Cartographic Systems

Principles of map projections: azimuthal projections, cylindrical projections (Mercator), and transverse cylindrical projections (Gauss)
Definition, computation methods, and importance of map projections for measurements on maps
Official Italian cartographic systems: Gauss–Boaga, UTM-ED50, and UTM-WGS84; zones, false origins, and fields of application
Practical exercise: reading and interpreting IGMI 1:25,000 map sheets (symbols, kilometer grid, and elevation representation)

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS architecture
The open-source software QGIS: interface, project management, and main plugins
Data models: vector data structure (points, lines, and polygons) and raster data structure (cells and resolution)
Working with SRTM Digital Elevation Models (SRTM DEMs)
Spatial analysis of DEM data

Practical Applications

Loading and managing spatial data in QGIS
Assigning and transforming Coordinate Reference Systems (CRSs)
Creating and editing vector layers
Cartographic symbology and map composition (print layouts)
Creating a simple map in QGIS using a DEM and print layout

Readings/Bibliography

-Matherial prepared by the teacher

- Peter A. Burrough, Rachael A. McDonnell, and Christopher D. Lloyd, Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Third Edition - ISBN: 9780198742845

-Fatwa Ramdami, Exploring the Earth with QGIS: A Guide to Using Satellite Imagery at Its Full Potential. Springer

 

Teaching methods

The course adopts active and participatory teaching methodologies, through which students will be guided in learning the fundamental concepts of the subject by means of traditional lectures. In addition, the instructor will employ Problem-Based Learning (PBL), group work, and flipped classroom activities, with a strong emphasis on laboratory-based learning and active student participation during class.

Course materials will be made available on the course's Virtuale platform, where PDF copies of the textbooks (where permitted) and/or information on how to obtain them will also be provided.

The course also includes two field trips. Therefore, unless exempted, students are required to complete the mandatory safety training modules before participating in the field activities.

English slides and additional expanatory notes may be requested via email. 

Assessment methods

The examination is conducted orally and is assessed on a pass/fail basis. To obtain a passing grade, students must submit the practical exercises completed during the course before the oral examination. At the beginning of the exam, candidates may optionally present an in-depth discussion of one of the topics covered in the course.

Students who did not attend the course are required to submit the same practical exercises as attending students and will take the oral examination under the same conditions.

Upon request and for justified reasons, the examination may be conducted remotely (online) and in English or French Languages.

Teaching tools

Course announcements and teaching materials will be made available through the course's Virtuale learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Gemignani