Introduction to GIS:
Definitions, history and evolution, place of GIS in geoinformatics, Components of GIS, interdisciplinary relations, application areas.
Spatial Data Types and Models:
Nominal, Ordinal, interval and ratios, Raster data, Vector data, Non-spatial / Attribute Data. Tessellations to represent geographic objects, Data models: Basic Data Models –raster and vector, Spaghetti model and Topological model,, Advanced data models- Grid model, TIN model, network model, Raster and vector data formats.
Data Sources and Data Entry:
Primary and secondary methods of acquisition of spatial and non-spatial data: surveying, remote sensing, Photogrammetry, Database creation, Data capturing, map scanning and digitizing, data conversion from other digital sources, data exchange standards, topology building, editing and cleaning, linking of spatial and non-spatial data.
Data Processing:
Hardware and software needed, Database Management Systems (DBMS), Linking GIS and DBMS, Raster and Vector data editing, data conversion, Corrections, modifications, scale changes, Coordinate thinning, geometric transformations and map projection, sliver removal, edge matching, interactive editing, rubber sheeting.
Data Quality and Standards:
Definition of data quality, components of geographic data quality – lineage, positional accuracy, attributes accuracy, temporal accuracy, Semantic accuracy, logical consistency and completeness; Sources of error in geographic data, error propagation and error management; quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC). Geographic data standards, components and types of GIS standards, international GIS standards, interoperability of GIS.
Spatial Data Analysis and Integration:
Classification, retrieval and measurement functions, Overlay functions, Neighbourhood functions, Connectivity functions,
Data Visualization:
GIS and Maps, Visualization process, visualization strategies, mapping qualitative and quantitative data, map / information dissemination.
Advanced Analysis and Modelling:
Trend surface analysis, Spatial interpolation, fuzzy analysis, GIS analytical models: Digital Terrain Models, Hydrologic modeling, and engineering GIS applications.