OVERVIEW

GIS is the acronym of Geographic Information System. It is a computer-based system that stores, analyzes, processes, and displays geodata. This professionalizing course provides theoretical and practical knowledge on geographical information systems (GIS) as an essential tool for landscape analysis, particularly referring to environmental and geomorphological issues.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical notions necessary to deal with geodata, referring in particular to land planning and management under a geomorphological and environmental perspective.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the students will be able to: interpret different types of maps that are generally used for land management; understand the meaning of hazard, vulnerability and risk; manage data from different reference systems; display, analyse, modify and select original data and data from the available geodatabases; use vector and raster geoprocessing tools; analyse digital terrain models; use symbols, legends and labels; produce a map.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cartography, geomorphology, and computer science.

TEACHING METHODS

This course is based on participatory lectures, frontal lectures, and laboratory experiences in which cooperative learning methods are applied. A large portion of the course consists of practice exercises carried out both individually and in groups in the computer classroom by using GIS software; real cases and examples associated with the naturalist work will be considered.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Maps for land planning and management

Definition and assessment of geomorphological hazard, vulnerability and geo-hydrological risk

Cartography (a general overview)

Numerical cartography, GIS and software

QGIS

Geodata (types, formats and sources)

Geodata visualization

Geoprocessing and spatial analysis

Map composition

Case studies: GIS Applications in Earth and Environmental Sciences

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Handouts provided by the teachers and available on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons timetable is available at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test during which the topics covered in the course are discussed, and an original project on geomorphological issues focused on a specific geographical area is illustrated through a short presentation (about 10 minutes). The details on the preparation methods for the exam and the level of knowledge required on the topics covered will be progressively provided during the lessons.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims overall to verify the understanding of the topics covered during the lessons, with particular emphasis on the use of GIS tools for solving simple environmental and geological problems. The operational project will be discussed in terms of implemented procedures and achieved results, along with broader topics related to the catchment-scale landscape planning. The exam will also assess the student's critical thinking skills, presentation abilities, and correct use of technical terminology.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services at the web page https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici-apprendimento-dsa, provided by the "Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with Learning Disorders." They can also contact Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Distav contact for disabilities.

Regular attendance is strongly recommended.