72910 - Laboratory of Digital Mapping and Gis

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will dominate all the knowledge about the correct use of basic cartography and possesses the skills needed for reading, interpretation and use in the field of topographic, technical and thematic cartography, also knows the parameters distinguishing between different geographic datum used in Italy. It can realize a geographic information system through the use of GIS technologies, create thematic maps and perform analysis of georeferenced data.

Course contents

Basic concepts in cartography. Reference surfaces and chartographic datum. Absolute and local coordinate systems. Cartographic projections commonly used (Mercator, Gauss-Boaga, UTM, WGS84). Representation of terrain morphology, processing of elevation data, digital terrain models. The Italian official cartography. Elements of reading and interpreting topographic maps. Elements of computer graphics, raster and vector files, digital design aimed to realization of two-dimensional digital mapping. Georeferencing of raster and vector elements and management of coordinates systems. Notes on the GPS system. Database systems, spatial data, thematic maps and geological maps, introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Laboratory: short course of GIS. Structuring and organizing information: theory and use of a database, use of metadata. From drawing to GIS: creating the base information (coordinate transformation, geotagging, import of vector elements from different CAD systems, inclusion of raster elements, database connections). Using GIS: realization of thematic cartography, foundations of topology and topological operations, query and creation of maps with graphic and alphanumeric reports.

Readings/Bibliography

Burrough, P.; McDonnel, A. (1998), Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Elvio Lavagna, Guido Locarno (2014), GEOCARTOGRAFIA - Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche, Zanichelli, 170 pagine. ISBN 978-8808-15789-8.

Mario Boffi (2004), Scienza dell'informazione geografica. Introduzione ai GIS, 192p., Zanichelli, ISBN 88-08-07525-7

Maddalena Migani, Giovanni Salerno (2009), Manuale ArcGIS, Guida pratica all'utilizzo con esercizi svolti, Flaccovio Editore, ISBN 9788877587992.

Emanuela Caiaffa, (2012) ECDL GIS. La rappresentazione cartografica e i fondamenti del GIS, McGraw-Hill,    ISBN:  8838667624  9788838667626.

Teaching methods

During the lectures will alternate traditional lessons with support of screen presentations, guided exercises in the laboratory and individual exercises in presence of the teacher with collective verification.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course the student must pass a practical test followed by a discussion of what has been achieved and some oral questions. The practice test is mandatory for access to the oral session.

Teaching tools

Students will be provided with printed material about the mapping exercises on which will be made practical exercises. Will be used the  Laboratorio Didattico-Informatico Applicazioni G.I.S. for the tutorials on software applications. The use of a portable personal computer is required to access the work virtual session.

Office hours

See the website of Luigi Cantelli