Course Syllabus
GIS - Applied Climate Change Cases |
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| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Environmental Science, Geography, and Geology |
| Faculty Members: |
Rasmus Ekman - rasmus.ekman@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Friday 8:30-11:25, Classroom V10- A31 Computerlab |
Description of course:
Geographical information systems (GIS) are used in many contexts of modern society, e.g. research, industry, and public planning. This course is a hands-on introduction to using and understanding GIS. We will cover concepts and topics required to use GIS in an informed way. These include spatial data, map projections, coordinate systems, data bases, and data quality issues. Furthermore, the exercises are built to illustrate the usefulness of GIS in a variety of contexts in relation to climate change as well as to guide the students through the use of the software. The students will work with the ArcGIS platform where students will perform analysis in ArcGIS Pro and create assignments in StoryMaps via ArcGIS Online.
Learning objectives of the course:
By the end of this course students will…
- Have a basic understanding of the theory and map projections relevant to GIS
- Be able to assess the usefulness and limitations of GIS tools
- Be able to carry out geodata analyses on data from different sources
- Have thorough hands-on experience with GIS
Throughout the course the students will produce 3 StoryMaps (websites) with all of their research results. At the end of the semester each student will be able to transfer each of them to a personal account for late use in CV's etc. Make the transfer here
Instructor:
Rasmus Ekman, MSc in Geoinformatics (University of Copenhagen) & certified drone pilot.
GIS-specialist and Drone Pilot, City of Copenhagen, Department of Climate Adaptation & Urban Development. Teaching experience from Herlev Gymnasium, University of Copenhagen and as a scientific instructor at the environmental services of Copenhagen. Mainly works with drone generated point clouds, Digital elevation models, vegetation indices and their application in climate adaptation planning.
Resources:
Sections, from each book, that are used in class can be found on Canvas. Furthermore, a book version of An introduction to geographical information systems can be collected during the intro sessions at DIS. All computer programs will be provided by DIS, and students will furthermore recieve ArcGIS-Pro access from personal computers.
Required readings:
- Heywood, D. I., Cornelius, S. C., & Carver, S. J. (2011). An introduction to geographical information systems. Pearson Prentice Hall.
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Mitchel, A. (2005). The ESRI Guide to GIS analysis, Volume 2: Spartial measurements and statistics. ESRI Guide to GIS analysis.
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Pettorelli, N. (2013). The normalized difference vegetation index. Oxford University Press.
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Jensen, J. R. (2009). Remote sensing of the environment: An earth resource perspective 2/e. Pearson Education India.
- Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. W., & Chipman, J. (2015). Remote sensing and image interpretation. John Wiley & Sons.
Required software:
- ArcGIS software will be used in the course. Provided by DIS.
- Microsoft Excel will be used in the course. Provided by DIS.
The Canvas Structure
Lectures: In the Calendar you will find all the lectures with time and place. Each event in the calendar contains expected learning outcomes and links to relevant readings and ressources. An overview of the lectures can be found in the bottom of the Syllabus.
Syllabus: This is the overall outline of the course. The Syllabus contains all information on evaluation, policies, the instructors ect. At the bottom of the Syllabus you will find a schedule of all lectures.
Assignments: this is where you need to upload all assignments due during the course. Each assignment can also be accessed from the calendar
Readings & ressources: All readings are stored under the file tab. In the calendar each event an icon links to the corresponding files that students must read prior to class.
Approach to Teaching:
The plan of topics, readings etc. is updated on the Canvas course pages. Assigned readings and other details on the meetings are subject to change but will be updated online with as much notice as possible. A lecture plan with meeting dates and readings can be found at the end of this syllabus.
Most class meetings will consist of a short lecture or class discussion covering the main subjects of the assigned reading for the class followed by GIS exercises in the computer lab.
Expectations of the students: Students are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to every class. Furthermore, students will need to work on the lab assignments and final project outside of class hours in order to finish these.
Evaluation:
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work. The overall grade will be a weighted average from the following grades:
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Attendance |
5 % |
| Participation |
20 % |
| 3 Assignments |
25 % each |
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled classes and field studies. the attendance grade includes presence, being on time, and handing in papers on time. Absence will only be excused in serious situations, but informing the faculty regarding your attendance is always necessary. Deduction of attendance grade for absence will follow: Unattended with notice (10%-point), Unattended without notice (15%-point), Late to class (5%-point), Late submission without notice (10%-point), Late submission with notice (0%-point). "Notice" is only applicable if it is given in reasonable time and with a valid reason.
Participation:
Active participation in class is required in order to get a good grade. Examples of active student participation: volunteer to sum up key points from last class (2-3 min), start and/or participate in class discussions relating to the subjects treated, discuss difficulties with class mates and contribute to an open learning environment where students help each other learn.
3 Assignments (25% each): During the semester, students must complete 3 assignments in ArcGIS with the aim of learning to use the main features of the software. Students have to execute their own analysis and hand in assignments in pairs of 2. If the assignment is handed in later than one day, a further deduction of the grade might occur.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|