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GIS TOOLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND CIVIL PROTECTION
FRANCESCA SINI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM05 5S160

Prerequisites

IT basic knowledge

Development of the course

Frontal lectures in the field of Geomatics (26 hours) and opensource Quantum GIS labs (22 ore) 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
The course introduces students to the tools and techniques of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing an overview of GIS theory, basis of geodesy and cartograghy, remote sensing, related technologies and applications for environmental and civil protection. 
On completion of this course students will have:
- an understanding of concepts and theories that underpin GIS;
- an understanding of the functionality and data analysis tools used in applications of GIS 
- an understanding of the role of GIS technology for decision making in planning and improvement processes 
A relevant part of the course has been reserved for practical exercises and opensource GIS labs.

Ability to apply the knowledge
On completion of this course students will have an understanding of the issues relating to project management, data collection/data availability and data processing.
Students will be able to:
- demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the concepts and theories of modern GIS;
- be familiar with resources, literature and techniques for applying GIS to problem solving;

Soft skills
On completion of this course students will have an improvement to solve in autonomy specific spatial data mapping, management and analysis problems. Moreover laboratories and project management will contribute to improve the working group ability and the communication skills.

Program

Contents of the lectures (26 hours)
Introduction to GIS technology. Geodesy and Cartography; Geographic reference systems and EPSG catalogues. Remote Sensing introduction: active and passive sensors; Global Navigation Satellite System; Digital Terrain Models (DTM); GIS data models; metadata; data quality; geodatabase and DBMS; thematic maps; spatial analysis and geoprocessing; layout; interoperability and data web source; webgis; open source and commercial GIS softwares overview; ECDL GIS certification.GIS applications in the field of the environment and civil protection; 

Laboratory Practicals (22 hours)
Opensource softwares tutorial (Quantum GIS); GIS training and exercises (n. 1-5); GIS Project on assigned civil protection case studies; 

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The final examination takes place individually, through an oral test on Geomatics theory and discussion about the GIS project design and results. GIS project must be handed in a week before the day of the evaluation. 

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes: 
The student has to answer the question in such a way as to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the course subject. Basic skill on GIS data visualization, analysis and geoprocessing, mapping through Qgis software must be proved.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The exams involve an evaluation which is expressed as a grade of out of 30. An exam is deemed to be passed successfully if the final grade is equal to or higher than 18/30. In the event of a full grade (30/30), the Examination Board may grant honours (lode).

Criteria for conferring final mark:
Final mark is the sum of the evaluation about acquired knowledge of the concepts and theories of modern GIS (by oral test) and skills to solve specific spatial data mapping, management and analysis problems (through labs and GIS project design and result).
Adequate knowledge both in GIS theory and software skill is required to pass the exams (at least 18/30 in both components). 

Recommended reading

Caiaffa E., ECDL GIS. La rappresentazione cartografica e i fondamenti del GIS, McGraw-Hill, 2011.
Introduzione alla Geomatica- Gianfranco Amadio, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 2012.
GIS open source per geologia e ambiente- Valerio Noti, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 2014.
Course notes;
Quantum GIS manual and tutorials (http://www.qgis.org)

 

Courses

• Rischio ambientale e protezione civile