Cartography and Geographic Information Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic training required in Physics, Maths and informatics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical: oral presentation of the concepts and methodologies. Students may participate in the theoretical component through its intervention or, occasionally, by presenting subjects within the discipline.

Practical: applying of theoretical knowledge to practical problems through analysis and interpretation of maps and the collection, analysis and processing of geo-spatial information using adequate methodologies and techniques, in particular by the use of GIS software for organizing, analyzing, modeling and visualization of the geospatial data. The students will still do a GIS project.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to:

a) Enable the student with the ability to understand the techniques of mapping;

b) Identify and analyze the sources of spatial information, namely that acquired by remote sensing techniques;

c) Understanding the structure of GIS as well as the management and modelling of spatial information in this environment;

d) Read and interpret analogic maps and use of a computer program suited to the management of digital information in a GIS environment.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Cartography: representation, types of maps, scale, history.

2. Map/terrain relations; basics of geodesy, Earth representation; sphere, ellipsoid and geoid; datum; geographic coordinates, global positioning systems.

3. Projections: scale factor and transformations; distortions; most common projections.

4. Data Sources: land surveying and use of remote sensing techniques (aerial photography and satellite images); obtaining elevation data from stereo pairs, the digital terrain models.

5. The GIS environment as an integrate system based on spatial information; structure of a GIS: spatial and non spatial data; formats (raster and vector), modeling in a GIS environment; cartographic design, execution and production of maps.

6. Topographic maps and other thematic maps of the Portuguese territory.

Head Lecturer(s)

Alcides José Sousa Castilho Pereira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Gaspar, J.A. (2000) - Cartas e projecções cartográficas. Ed. Lidel, edições técnicas Lda, 287p

Fonseca, A.D. & Fernandes, J.C (2004) - Detecção Remota, Edições Lidel.

Davis, B.E. (2001) - GIS – a visual approach.