GIS: Geographical Information Systems

This course introduces students to the use of geographical information systems (GIS). The lectures focus on basic GIS theory and related concepts while exercises give the students practical experience in using GIS software. The course covers topics such as how GIS can represent our world, georeferencing, nature of geographical data, spatial data structures, topology, map design, and fundamental GIS functions. The exercises will make the students familiar with the basic functionality in GIS such as querying, distance measures, overlays, buffering, geoprocessing, joining and editing data, and map layout design.

Knowledge: After taking this course, the students will be able to have basic understanding of GIS and theoretical concepts related to GIS and what constitutes GIS data.
Skills: After the course, the students will be able to use the basic functionality of GIS software to process, analyze, and present spatial information.
General competence: After the course, the students will be able to recognize the advantages of using GIS for problem solving of various issues.

12 hours lectures and 14 hours of exercises. The compulsory assignment and the exam must be completed in English. Exceptions must be clarified with the lecturer responsible. Teaching will only be given if a sufficient number of students register for the course and if the Department has sufficient teaching resources. See www.ntnu.no/geografi/studentinformasjon for the most recent information on the courses offered. Information will be made available no later than 10 January in the spring semester and 10 August in the autumn semester.