Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GEO260)
The course aims to prepare students to read, understand, interpret, and create maps and other products from maps for (geo)scientific purposes. At the end of the semester, students should have an understanding of what it means to create a map. This course is intended to be beneficial for other courses and thesis projects.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
GEO260
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
NB! This elective course will next time be offered autumn 2026, but may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th for the autumn semester/January 20th for the spring semester.
The course includes:
- Reading, understanding, and interpreting maps
- Mapping techniques with the use of geographic information systems (GIS)
- Field mapping with use of GPS
- Basic programming for spatial analysis
- Reading and understanding scientific literature
- Writing scientific summary of work
- Present work in scientific manner
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- Construction of maps and understanding their significance
- Interdependence of science and spatial studies
Skills:
- Be able to apply spatial knowledge and get relevant results by using specialized software or equipment
- Be able to perform basic spatial analysis functions using specialized software and basic programming
- Be able to create and interpret maps
General Competence:
- Background in geographic information science that can be used as a basis for other areas of study
- Have an understanding of geographic information science, including basic database theory and general cartographic theory
- Be able to communicate and explain geographic information in applications to geology or other fields of study
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
Home exam, project and report
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 25/100 | 3 Hours | Letter grades | All |
| Project | 45/100 | 1 Semesters | Letter grades | All |
| Report | 30/100 | 1 Semesters | Letter grades | All |
The course has a continuous assessment. The semester assignment is a group project. Mid-term exam resit possibilities are offered in the spring semester; report and semester assignment resits are only available during the normal running of the course. All parts must be passed in order to pass the course.Course communications will be via email and Canvas. It's up to the student to make sure e-mail is set up correctly with the University.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Lisa Jean WatsonStudy Program Director:
Lisa Jean WatsonStudy Adviser:
Karina SanniHead of Department:
Alejandro Escalona VarelaMethod of work
Presence in all teaching activities is strongly recommended as it requires training of computer skills and/or advanced concepts in the laboratory.
The course is taught in English; software is in English; optional text books in English. If Bokmål is required for course documents, please alert instructor so a suitable replacement can be found.
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Geology seminar I (BPG110_1) | 5 |