An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Course description
This course will cover the fundamentals of cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). We will discuss and produce different kinds of maps with vector data. Participants will also be introduced to raster data and how to work with it. This is an introductory course, so there are no prerequisites for this course. At the same time we will proceed at a fast pace through key GIS techniques and concepts, including critically analyzing how maps can be both informative and deceptive. To receive a passing grade in the course, students will produce a series of maps relevant for their own dissertations.
Course facts
P000141, An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 4.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Forskarskolan People, Society and Sustainability, 2025-03-04
Valid from : Second half-year 2025 (2025-07-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Other social science, Rural Development, Agricultural History, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Communication
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student should:
- understand different kinds and uses of geographic information and cartographic principles;
- become familiar in the main uses of and important sources for vector and raster data;
- understand the basic principles of remote sensing in general, and, in particular, understand how NDVI is calculated and used;
- be able to produce different kinds of vector and raster maps, taking into account various potential sources of error and controlling for potential misrepresentation of the underlying geographic information;
- be able to critically read maps, and put them in context, so that one can uncover meanings, implications and politics from maps that are not always immediately evident.
Content
This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As an introductory course there are no prerequisites, but the level of ambition in the course will be targeted to PhD students. Students will become familiar with the main uses of GIS in general.
More specifically, students will work with vector and raster data in hands-on exercises where students learn basic GIS skills, such as: manual vectorization; finding and processing different sources of geographic data, including satellite data; “wrangling” geodata so that it is suitable for geographic analysis; calculating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on satellite data; making different kinds of maps, in particular choropleth maps; making final, “print-ready” maps that convey useful information in aesthetically appropriate ways to map-users and that can be inserted into texts.
A critical dimension on GIS and cartography will also be presented and discussed in this course: i.e. that maps are not neutral – they simultaneously reflect and promote particular power relations and/or political agendas, even as they may conceal these commitments. In this sense, we will discuss in this course how maps can be read critically to uncover meanings, implications and politics that are not always evident from cursory inspection.
The forms of instruction include lectures in which the basic principles of cartography, GIS and remote sensing are presented and explained. Some of the lectures will be in a tutorial format where the teacher will present information, but where different aspects of GIS and map-making will be discussed actively by students as well, based in part on readings. Another important form of instruction are exercises where students will receive detailed instructions and the necessary data in advance, but also receive active help from the responsible teacher. Finally students will receive an assignment to make their own map(s), which should be connected to their own PhD research, and which will be presented, discussed and assessed in a seminar format at the end of the course.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Seminar presentation of own map(s) explaining the purpose of the map, why it is important, and how it is connected to the student’s PhD research. The presentation should also include an account of the different steps taken to produce the map, and how potential sources of error were avoided.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Other Information
The primary software applications used in this course will be QGIS, which is “free and open source software” (FOSS), and Microsoft Excel. QGIS works on all computer platforms (Microsoft, Apple and Linux). The course may also involve the use of a limited amount of scripting/coding on platforms or with programs that either are completely FOSS or in any case free to use and that work on all operating systems.
This course is part of the research school People, Society and Sustainability, a joined research school between the Department of Economics and the Department of Urban and Rural Development.