1. Basic information
This syllabus is ratified by the Education Committee of the Faculty of Science 2012. The syllabus is valid from 2012-09-01. The course is at the advanced level (A1N).
2. General information
The course is part of the internet based programme ‘GIS and Earth Observation for Environmental modeling and Natural resource management’ (iGEON). The course is an elective for the double degree: Master of Science in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Faculty ITC, the Netherlands and Master of Science in Geographical Information Science of Lund University, Sweden. The course is also given as a single subject course. The language of instruction is English. The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.
The course is part of the main field of study in Physical Geography and Ecosystems Science at the Faculty of Science. The course is an elective course on advanced level for a Master’s degree in Geographical Information Science, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Sweden.
3. Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is that students, after having successfully completed the course, should have acquired the following knowledge, understanding and skills:
Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- analyze the possibilities and limits to manage geographic information via the Internet,
- explain the theory of cartographic visualization on computer,
- describe techniques to distribute geographic information via the Internet, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques,
- describe the uses of GIS via the Internet,
- describe the basic programming techniques and markup language for GIS services on the Internet,
- detailed description of standardized mapping services on the Internet, and
- illustrate some important aspects of spatial web services.
Proficiency and skills
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- independently manage a program to develop GIS services on the Internet,
- create a map service with good cartographic features, and
- have basic skills in customizing a GIS service using the markup language and script programming.
Attitude and ability to appraise
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Assimilate and critically evaluate and discuss scientific publications within the area of Python programming, as well as summarize the material.
4. Course contents
The course consists of the following parts:
In basic courses, the students become familiar with GIS as an information system that is used on a standalone computer. The purpose of this course is to study how GIS can be used in a client-server environment where communication takes place via the Internet. Part of the course also deals with cartographic rules for monitors. The lectures deal with the most
important techniques for the transmission of spatial data over the Internet. Exercises are mainly focused on creating GIS services on the Internet using various software systems, and custom coding of markup languages and scripting languages. The course ends with a larger project in which the student will create a GIS service on the Internet.
5. Teaching and assessment
Teaching consists of lectures, practical and theoretical exercises and seminars. Exercises and seminars are compulsory.
Examination is in the form of a written exam, and through approved individual exercises.
6. Grades
Students are graded for the course according to the following levels: High Pass (distinction), Passed, and Failed.
In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed all compulsory exercises, and to have participated in all compulsory course elements including the project.
7. Entrance qualifications
The following are required for admission to the course: Basic admission requirements of Lund University, and at least 1.5 years full time studies at university level, including iGEON compulsory courses of semester 1 and 2 (35 ECTS).
8. Literature
According to a list established by the department, available at least five weeks before the start of the course.