72910 - Laboratory of Digital Mapping and Gis

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has all the knowledge related to the correct use of basic cartography, is able to orient themselves and has the necessary knowledge for reading, interpreting and using topographic, technical and thematic cartography. It has at its disposal the elementary practical notions for the use of the GPS system aimed at the detection and return of the campaign work. It’s able to build a geographic information system using GIS technologies.

Course contents

Fundamental concepts of cartography. Reference surfaces and cartographic datum. Absolute and local coordinate systems. Cartographic projections of more common application use (Mercator, Gauss-Boaga, UTM, WGS84). Altitude representation, elevation data processing, digital terrain models. The official Italian cartography. Elements of reading and interpretation of topographic maps. Elements of computer graphics, raster and vector files, digital drawing aimed at the realization of two-dimensional numerical cartography. Methods of georeferencing raster and vector elements and management of coordinate systems. Overview of the GPS system. Database systems, "spatial" data, thematic maps and geological maps, introduction to Spatial Information Systems (GIS).

Laboratory: short course of GIS. Structuring and organization of the information: theory and use of a database, use of the metadata. From drawing to GIS: creation of the information base (coordinate transformation, georeferencing, import of vector elements from different CAD systems, insertion of raster bases, database links). Use of GIS: realization of thematic cartography, foundations of topology and topological operations, interrogation of the information system and realization of maps and graphical and alphanumeric reports.

Readings/Bibliography

Burrough, P.; McDonnel, A. (1998), Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Elvio Lavagna, Guido Locarno (2014), GEOCARTOGRAFIA - Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche, Zanichelli, 170 pagine. ISBN 978-8808-15789-8.

Mario Boffi (2004), Scienza dell'informazione geografica. Introduzione ai GIS, 192p., Zanichelli, ISBN 88-08-07525-7

Maddalena Migani, Giovanni Salerno (2009), Manuale ArcGIS, Guida pratica all'utilizzo con esercizi svolti, Flaccovio Editore, ISBN 9788877587992.

Emanuela Caiaffa, (2012) ECDL GIS. La rappresentazione cartografica e i fondamenti del GIS, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 8838667624 9788838667626.

Teaching methods

During the course traditional lessons will alternate with screen presentations, guided exercises in the laboratory and autonomous exercises in the presence of the teacher with collective verification. ESRI Desktop arcgis or Qgis will be used.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course the student will have to pass a practical test followed by a discussion on what has been achieved and an oral question. The practical test is binding for access to the oral session.

Teaching tools

Students will be provided with paper material related to cartography on which practical exercises will be carried out. The G.I.S. Laboratory will be used for software application exercises. Required the use of a personal laptop for access to the laboratory session.

Office hours

See the website of Luigi Cantelli