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Course_outline_ALL_Programs_GIScience2017

The course Geographical Information Science (HGG1011 and HGINT102) at the University of Zimbabwe introduces students to the principles and applications of GIScience, covering spatial data, analysis techniques, and GIS software. Students will learn to differentiate between GIScience and Geographic Information Systems, apply spatial analysis techniques, and manage GIS data effectively. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises, and assignments, with recommended readings to enhance understanding of GIS concepts.

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5 views

Course_outline_ALL_Programs_GIScience2017

The course Geographical Information Science (HGG1011 and HGINT102) at the University of Zimbabwe introduces students to the principles and applications of GIScience, covering spatial data, analysis techniques, and GIS software. Students will learn to differentiate between GIScience and Geographic Information Systems, apply spatial analysis techniques, and manage GIS data effectively. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises, and assignments, with recommended readings to enhance understanding of GIS concepts.

Uploaded by

jmazvimbakupa3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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University of Zimbabwe

Department of Geography & Environmental Science

Course Name and Code: Geographical Information Science – HGG1011 and


HGINT102
Credits 5
Instructor: Mr. I. Gwitira
Office: B6, Department of Geography &
Environmental Science Building
Mobile: +263773401261
E-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]

Venue: Geography Lecture Theatre: Department of


Geography & Environmental Science

Course Description
The course introduces students to the principles and applications of Geographic
Information Science (GIS). Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the
science behind Geographic Information System. It addresses fundamental questions
of capturing, manipulating and communicating about space and time at geographic
scales in an interdisciplinary manner. Principles covered in this module include:
introduction to spatial data, theories, methods, technology, and use of spatial data
for understanding geographic processes, relationships, and patterns, map
projections, GPS, spatial representation, visualization and spatial analysis.
GIScience is designed to support a range of different kinds of analysis of geographic
information: techniques to examine and explore data from a geographic perspective,
to develop and test models, and to present data in ways that lead to greater insight
and understanding. The theoretical concepts presented in lectures provide
knowledge needed to use GIScience effectively and correctly while laboratory
exercises are meant to familiarize students with GIS software.
Course aims
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
 Understand the difference between GIScience and Geographic Information
Systems;
 Distinguish between different types of geographic phenomena like fields and
objects and between discrete and continuous phenomena;
 Apply basic spatial analysis techniques to answer GIScience questions
 Integrate different GIs data sets within a Geodatabase;
 Apply the topological properties of interior and boundary to define
relationships between spatial features; and
 Understand how to select a suitable computer representation, based on the
different types of geographic phenomena.

Methods of Instruction
The course is a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and assignments.
Formal presentation of theoretical material will be presented via lectures. Written
assignments and computer-based laboratory exercises will use different spatial data
sets, remotely sensed images & GIS to complement and reinforce theoretical
concepts from the lectures and cover application of skills to different case studies.
Course Outline

1. Introduction to Geographic Information Science


o Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information System
o Introduction to Geographic data
o Components and purpose of GIS

Geographic phenomena and its representation


o Conceptual models
o Entities and Fields
o Spatial data Models
o Raster spatial data model
o Vector spatial data model
4. Coordinate Systems and spatial referencing
o Coordinate systems
o Map projections
5. GIS data Acquisition
o Primary and secondary data sources
o Georeferencing
o Spatial data input and Extraction (Digitizing)
o Global positioning System (GPS)
o Metadata
6. Data Management and Processing
o Stages of spatial data handling
o Database management systems
o Types of attribute data in a GIS
o GIS and spatial databases
7. GIS Functionality: Spatial data analysis
o Classification of Analytical GIS capabilities
o Retrieval, classification and Measurement
o Overlay functions
o Neighbourhood functions
o Network analysis
8. Data Display and Visualisation
o How to Map?
o Cartography and Map design

Allocated time per teaching and learning method


The course runs throughout the semester and comprises staff-led lectures, and
individual assignments, fieldwork and supervised practical exercises. The proposed
time to be spent on each teaching and learning method is shown in the table below.

Course materials
Course materials including handouts will be provided to registered students.
Scientific reading material relevant to topics outlined in the course outline will be
provided during lectures.

Software
Quantum GIS, ILWIS and any other software deemed necessary for the course.

Recommended reading materials


1. Rolf De By (2001), Principles of Geographic Information Systems, ITC, Enschede
2. Burrough. P (1998) Principles of Geographic Information Systems, University
Press New York.
3. Longley, P.A, Goodchild, M.F, Maguire D.J, Rhind, D.W (2004) Geographic
Information Systems and Science, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4. Forer, P., and D.J. Unwin (1997) Enabling progress in GIS and education. In P.A.
Longley, M.F. Goodchild, D.J. Maguire, and D.W. Rhind (editors) Geographical
Information Systems: Principles, Techniques, Management and Applications.
Cambridge: GeoInformation International.
5. Goodchild, M.F. (1992) Geographical information science. International Journal of
Geographical Information Systems 6(1): 31-45.
6. Wright, D.J., M.F. Goodchild, and J.D. Proctor (1997) Demystifying the persistent
ambiguity of GIS as "tool" versus "science". Annals of the Association of American
Geographers 87(2): 346-362
7. Christopher, J. (1997) Geograph ical Information Systems and Cartography,
Pearson Education Limited, London.
8. Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Craver, S. (2011) An Introduction to Geographical
Information Systems, 4th edition, Pearson Education Limited, London.

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