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 resource planning; - has acquired a basic knowledge of earth observation techniques and satellite image analysis.

Course contents

Background knowledge. The student must have an adequate background knowledge in mathematics and physics, as required for the access to the Degree. No preliminary knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) is required.

Unit 1. Introduction to geomatics (8 hrs)

1.1 A primer of cartography: Earth representation, ellipsoid/geoid, projection systems

1.2 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Types of representation

1.3 GPS: basis and applications

Unit 2. Introduction to GIS packages (6 hrs)

2.1 Introduction to ArcGIS *

2.2 Introduction to QGIS/GRASS

2.3 Optional modules in QGIS

Unit 3. GIS applications on vector and raster layers (12 hrs)

3.1 Editing of vector layers: digitizing points, lines and polygons on regional WMS **

3.2 Management and analysis of vector layers: spatial analysis of vegetation maps **

3.3 Management and analysis of raster layers: context operators; 3D analysis and derived layers (slope, aspect,…); boolean intersection

Unit 4. Introduction to remote sensing (14 hrs)

4.1 Introduction to remote sensing: physical basis; sensor geometric, spectral and temporal resolution

4.2 Main repositories of satellite imagery

4.3 Image management: image calibration, enhancement and visualization; spectral indexes

4.4 Georeferencing remote sensing imagery

The program will be complemented by specific modules included in the following courses:

66098 - CARTOGRAFIA CATASTALE CON ELEMENTI DI CAD E GIS

27364 - INVENTARI FORESTALI E TELERILEVAMENTO

27382 - PIANIFICAZIONE FORESTALE E ASSESTAMENTO

* The ArcGIS package will be presented in more detail and widely applied in courses 66098 (CARTOGRAFIA CATASTALE CON ELEMENTI DI CAD E GIS) and 66119 (PROGETTAZIONE E PIANIFICAZIONE PAESAGGISTICA)

** The subject will be addressed with ArcGIS in course 66098

Readings/Bibliography

Considering the wide range of topics addressed, the course can be studied on slides and material provided by the lecturer on AMS Campus. For further reading:

1. Brivio P.A., Lechi G., Zilioli E. (2006) Principi e Metodi di Telerilevamento. CittàStudi Edizioni

2. 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.

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

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

Teaching methods

The course comprises 3 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. Students can carry out most of the expected work directly during the practicals; extensive use of freeware software (QGIS, GRASS) however makes it possible for students to experience further even outside of the laboratory. Following the coourse, 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.

Lectures will be integrated with meetings with professionals about the topics covered by the course.

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, (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 AMS Campus portal.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Magnani

See the website of Daniele Torreggiani

See the website of Andrea Spisni