Cartography and Geographical Information Systems

Code:

MSIGOT008

Acronym:

CSIGEO

Instance: 2015/2016 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Course/CS Responsible:	Masters in Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Planning

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MSIGOT	27	MSIGOT - Study Plan	1	-	6	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This UC aims to consolidate knowledge and skills in students relating with the application of GIS to the processing and analysis of graphic and tabular data, following rules to produce accurate and quality maps, promoting critical results and recognizing that GIS is an essential tool for develop the currently tasks required to Land Planning professionals.
The first contents are related with GIS operating procedures, the recognition of geodetic systems more used and how to acquire, structure and operate with various GIS data. Later, it focuses on concepts/theoretical fundamentals linked to the map elements, visual variables and types of variables inherent to mapping.
Finally, it explores the elaboration of thematic mapping with GIS, developing the critical thinking of students and encouraging the application of GIS in their future career.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this UC the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate GIS knowledge and skills related to obtaining, processing and analysis of vector, raster and tabular data.
2. Recognize the national and international geodetic systems most commonly used in GIS data.
3. Apply the GIS tools in the treatment and exploration of graphic and alphanumeric data, operating with different formats and with different coordinate systems.
4. Organize the GIS data and proceed to their thematic representation, applying the knowledge and rules of cartographic representation, namely, the map elements, the use of visual variables, the type of implantation and the cartography of qualitative and quantitative data.
5. Reveal skills for the combined use of GIS tools and the cartographic representation rules, assuming a critical attitude towards the cartographic results, skills necessary for professional performance of the Master in GIS and LP.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. National and international portals of GIS information.
2. Vector, raster and tabular files: types, differences, application and connection between formats.
3. GIS data selection by attributes and by location.
4. National and international geodetic systems more used: basic concepts, types of coordinates, projection systems and handling in GIS.
5. Methods to georeference GIS data.
6. GIS tools to editing and processing vector and raster data.
7. The metadata of GIS data and the Inspire Directive.
8. Qualitative and quantitative spatial data: treatment and precautions in their representation.
9. Map elements: concepts and rules to follow in their representation.
10. The visual variables: properties, limitations and problems with its application.
11. Thematic maps: types, construction rules and development in GIS.

Mandatory literature

Allen, D. ; GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook, ERSI Press , 2010. ISBN: 978-1589483378
Dias, M. H.; Programa de Cartografia Temática. Relatório nº 6, Centro de Estudos Geográficos, 2007. ISBN: 1-85166-232-4
Gaspar, J; Cartas e Projeções Cartográficas, Lidel, 2005. ISBN: 978-972-757-371-4
Gorr, W.; Kurland, K. ; GIS Tutorial 1: Basic Workbook, ERSI Press , 2010. ISBN: 978-1589483354
Longley, P.; Goodchild, M.; Maguire, D.; Rhind, D. ; Geographical Information Systems and Science, John Wiley & Sons, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-470-94809-5
Matos, j.; Fundamentos de Informação Geográfica, Lidel, 2008. ISBN: 978-972-757-514-5
Kemp, K. ; Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science, Sage, 2008. ISBN: 9781412913133
Silva, A. ; Gráficos e Mapas, Lidel, 2006. ISBN: 978-972-757-340-0
Slocum,T.; McMaster, R.; Kessler, F.; Howard, H. ; Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization, Prentice Hall, 2008. ISBN: 978-0132298346

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes are TP,  based on the practical exercises that will always be complemented by the theoretical framework of the subjects. From the middle of the semester, students develop an individual practical work, with tutorial guidance.

Software

Quantum GIS
ArcGis
Google Earth Pro

keywords

Technological sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	60,00
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	62,00
Frequência das aulas	54,00
Trabalho de investigação	46,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attending 75% of classes, unless established otherwise by law.

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation:
Written test - 60%
Practical Work - 40%
Classification: 0,6*WT+0,4*PW

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable

Classification improvement

Appeal exam.