B8400 - FONDAMENTI DI GIS PER STUDI MARINO-COSTIERI

Learning outcomes

The course begins with the fundamentals of geomatics and proceeds to cover the theoretical foundations of the characteristics and functioning of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition to knowledge of geodesy and the most commonly used reference systems, students will learn numerous key geomatics concepts useful for practical activities such as field surveys. The theoretical skills acquired during lectures will be complemented by hands-on exercises using widely adopted open-source and open-access software (e.g., QGIS, SAGA). These practical sessions will focus on understanding real-world case studies applied to the territory, with particular emphasis on coastal areas. By the end of the course, students will be able to use essential tools for georeferencing and cartographic rendering, search for, download, and process various types of cartographic data, and produce thematic maps of interest.

Course contents

The course includes lectures covering theoretical content as well as practical exercises using digital tools. The following topics will be addressed:

• Fundamentals of geomatics (map reference systems, geographic and planar coordinates, etc.).
• Structure and features of GIS, and the main tools for analyzing vector and raster data.
• Creation and management of raster and vector files, as well as their attributes.
• Overview of major regional, national, and European vector and raster databases, and how to use the data they contain for various types of processing.
• Thematic map production.
• Application to real-world cases and problem-solving.

Students will gain familiarity with data processing tools, primarily through hands-on work on real-world cases focused on the marine-coastal environment.

Readings/Bibliography

The .pdf files of the lectures will be made available. Students will also find bibliographic references within the course slides.

Main suggestion: V. Noti (2014). GIS Open Source per Geologia e Ambiente. Dario Flaccovio Ed.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and laboratories that will include the utilization of the QGIS, SAGA or similar software.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course the students will develop a project which will allow them to apply the skills acquired during the course. The verification of the skills acquired consists of an oral exam in which the project must be presented and discussed, and which will also include theory questions.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the university office in charge in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any necessary accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days in advance for approval, based on the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, PowerPoint presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Sonia Silvestri