Cartography and Geographical Information Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

None (the discipline is lectured during the first year/first semester).

Teaching Methods

This unit can be taught partially or totally by e-learning.

Theoretical classes

Resolution of practical exercises with support on analogical and digital techniques, in this last case based on GIS software. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students should be able to:

- Ability to understand the mapping techniques and to do the interpretation of maps (analogical and digital);

- Identifing and analyzing the sources of spatial information, namely those acquired by remote sensing techniques;

- Understanding the structure of a GIS as well as the management and modelling of spatial information in this environment

- Use of a computer program suited to the management of digital information in a GIS environment.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

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

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

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

- Data Sources: land surveying and use of remote sensing techniques; global positioning systems

- The GIS environment as an integrative system based on spatial information: structure; data; data format; interpretation and modeling; production and vizualization of maps.

- Case studies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro José Miranda da Costa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 15.0%
Resolution Problems: 35.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Gaspar, J.A. (2005) - Cartas e projecções cartográficas. 2ª edição, Ed. Lidel, edições técnicas Lda, 287p.

Davis, B.E. (2001) - GIS – a visual approach. New York: Delmar Thomson Learning, 438p.

Elementos de apoio às aulas fornecidos pelo docente, incluindo aulas gravadas e disponíveis online na plataforma Educast/Materials provided by the teacher including videos with recorded lessons available online (educast platform).