Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Course description :
This course is given to students in the second year of the Civil Engineering Masters, specialising in Geotechnics. It introduces students to geographic information systems, covering all the fundamental notions and concepts needed to understand GIS and its application in the field of geotechnics. At the end of this course, students will be able to understand the specific nature of geographical information and how it is processed. They will also discover the main functionalities of GIS and the effective use of geotechnical data processing tools using GIS software (MapInfo, ArcGis, QGis, etc.).
Objectifs :
-Introduction to the different aspects of a GIS,
-Advanced knowledge of a spatial database,
-Understanding the concepts of geographic data,
-Modelling geographical information,
-Understanding the particularities of spatial information,
-Setting up and using a spatial database,
-Understand certain more advanced GIS concepts,
Recommended prior knowledge :
Topography, computing and mathematics
Contents:
Chapter-I : General information on GIS. (3 weeks)
I.1. Definitions
I.2. History
I.3. The components of GIS
I.4. Field of application of GIS
I.5. Advantages of using GIS
I.6. Conclusion
Chapter-II: Geographic information in GIS. (2 weeks)
II.1 Introduction
II.2 Nature and properties
II.3. Spatial observation units
II.4. Dimensions of the properties of spatial units
II.5. The properties of spatial information
II.6. Categories: measured, interpreted, derived
II.7. Conclusion
Chapter-III: Coordinate systems and map projections. (2 weeks)
III.1 Introduction.
III.2 Types of georeferenced coordinates.
III.3. Reference coordinate systems.
III.4. Flat cartographic representations in Algeria.
III.5. Applications
Chapter-IV: Databases in GIS. (2 weeks)
IV.1. Introduction
IV.2. What is a database?
IV.3. The use of a database.
IV.4. Database management.
IV.5. The main database management systems
IV.6. Characteristics of a DBMS
IV.7. Example of a database.
Chapter-V: Spatial and cartographic analysis (3 weeks)
V.1 What is spatial analysis?
V.2 Spatial analysis tools and field of action
V.3 Spatial analysis methodology
V.4 Thematic mapping.
V.5. Graphic semiology.
V.6. Map elements.
V.7. Page layout.
V.8. Conclusion.
Assessment method:
- Continuous assessment: 40%
- Examination: 60%.
Coefficient : 1
Bibliographic references
CHANG, Kang-Tsung. Introdution to geographic information system. Boston : MacGraw-Hill, 2008.
DENEGRE, Jean et SALGE, François. Introduction aux systèmes d’information géographique. Que-sais-je ? 2004, vol. 2, n° 3122, p. 5-11.
PORNON, Henri. SIG : la dimension géographique du système d’information. Dunod, 2015.
Useful links :
https://www.sig-geomatique.fr/sig-sig.html
https://shs.cairn.info/introduction-aux-systemes-d-information-geographiq--9782200617189?lang=fr