Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (E-GEO260)

The course aims to prepare students to read, understand, interpret, and create maps using geographic information systems. Successful graduates of the course are issued an official QGIS training certification.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

E-GEO260

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Students will learn to create new data through digitization, synthesis, combination, and analysis methods. At the end of the semester, students should have an understanding of what it means to create a map and be able to make their own map with unique data (i.e. use geographic information systems). This course is intended to be beneficial for basic cartographic applications. The course uses the open-source geographic information software QGIS. Successful graduates of the course are issued an official QGIS training certification. This is the only course in Norway that provides official QGIS training certification.

Learning outcome

i. Be able to read, understand, and interpret maps;

ii. Be able to read and understand basic scientific text;

iii. Be able to write a scientific summary of work;

iv. Have a basic understanding of and be able to use geographic information systems;

v. Have the ability to use and understand the basics of GPS;

vi. Be able to solve basic spatial problems using Python; and

vii. Be able to present work in a scientific manner.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Home exam and project

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam 2/5 Letter grades
Project in GIS 3/5 Letter grades

a. The course is evaluated with a home exam via Inspera. 3 hours is the allotted time. The exam is weighted at 40%. The purpose of the home exam is to check understanding of theory. Learning outcomes i-iii above. Resit examination is offered students who fail or have a valid absence at the exam.b. A project based in the GIS is due by the course end. It is weighted at 60%. The purpose of the mapping project is to evaluate the understanding of applying GIS to a mapping problem. Learning outcomes iv-vii above and to award the QGIS certification. Resubmission of project follows offering of course; re-enrollment not required.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Lisa Jean Watson

Course coordinator:

Lisa Jean Watson

Method of work

This is a project-based learning course. The course is a self-paced, where the student learns from reading, watching short videos, answering progress questions, and working through practical exercises. A weekly voluntary online meeting will be scheduled to suit the majority of class participant schedules. All of the course activities build on each other so the student has the skills to combine all of the semester learning into a GIS mapping project. The course is taught in English; however, the exam and project may be completed in Norwegian.

Open for

Enkeltemner TN - bachelornivå

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto