GIS and spatial analysis with R
The course aims to introduce students to GIS (geographical information systems), and how to understand, manipulate and analyse spatial data in the using the R environment. The idea is that students can then integrate spatial data into their analytical workflow.
In particular the course will teach you how to write more ordered code that can be easily reused and incorporated into other projects and to deal with the automation of data and code handling tasks. This will allow you to save time and handle bigger datasets.
General information
- Language: English
- Course code: P000102
- Points: 3 ECTS
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the R language, for example being able to use standard functions and read and understand R’s help files. Admitted to PhD-studies.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students should:
- Have a basic knowledge of GIS, including vector and raster data, coordinate systems, and the role of GIS in research and society.
- Confidently work with vector data. This includes basic import, manipulation and combining of data, as well as performing common tasks such as overlay analysis, creating spatial buffers, calculating areas and distances, and plotting thematic maps.
- Confidently work with raster data. This includes basic importing and manipulation of data, as well as performing common tasks such as summarizing environmental data, performing overlay analysis (raster calculation), interpolation and plotting.
- Be able to work with both raster and vector data to perform ecological or environmental analyses, and use base-R’s loop and *apply functions to repeat functions across large datasets.
Contact for application and further information
For more information and to apply for this course please contact Alistair Auffret (alistair.auffret@slu.se) before 27 September. Please also indicate whether you would prefer to take part in person or online, and if the non-preferred option is possible or not.
Time table
- 5 October 2026: Kick-off lecture workshop: Introduction to GIS student and teacher introductions. Connecting to course platforms.
- 21 October 2026: Workshop: Module 1.
- 12 November 2026: Workshop: Module 2.
- 27 November 2026: Workshop: Module 3.
Please note that participants will get learning materials in advance and are expected to complete exercises before each scheduled workshop.
Content
The course will start with a short introductory lecture and workshop. This will include an introduction to the course and the basics of GIS (learning outcome 1), and students and teacher will get to know each other and the structure of the course will be explained. Thereafter the content will be split across three modules, which will roughly cover learning outcomes 2-4. In each module, the students will be given some learning materials and a task to complete. Students will have the opportunity to communicate online among themselves and with the course leader using asynchronous tools while working on each module, before a class-wide 3h workshop where students will discuss the assignments, work on additional tasks, and get help and advice regarding their own data.
Examination
To receive course credits, students are required to have completed all individual exercises and played an active part in all workshops.
Literature
Online learning materials will be distributed during the course.
Additional Information
The course is organized as part of the of the NJ-faculty research schools Ecology -basics and applications and Focus on Soils and Water