Analytical Methods In GIS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The scope of the course is to have in depth knowledge and develop skills on the complexity and variability of geographical/ spatial problems, under GIS science in theoretical and practical level. The course covers a wide range of subjects on understanding and using GIS in spatial analysis, and 3D analysis, network analysis and location and access models implementation. The course syllabus includes practical exercises and project elaboration, in respect to planning and implementation solutions, for spatial problems in local or regional level. Course’s scope is that students understand the theoretical background and develop skills on definition, analysis, techniques implementation for spatial problems solution on regional and urban scale, and their presentation. After successful course completion, students are expected to:

• Know geographic information selection and management methodologies appropriate for definition and classification of spatial problems in respect to their size, time and scale
• Understand the theoretical background on spatial analysis methods definition and function with GIS use, so as to be able to analyze spatial phenomena and their intercorrelations
• Apply analysis and management techniques on raster data models, transformations, classification and creation of data sets
• Design surface analysis models and 3D sets and to apply interpolation methods
• Design location solution scenarios and develop the appropriate cartographic products for the analysis and synthesis of spatial information
• Develop applications and design solutions for spatial and environmental problems in any geographic reference scale and to conduct technical reports with the spatial analysis results
• Evaluate scenarios results, perform comparative analysis and define best practices in GIS in respect to the analytical methods
• To elaborate with other students in project elaboration and oral presentation

 

General Competences

• Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology
• Adaption to new work conditions
• Decision-making
• Independent work
• Team work
• Self-evaluation
• Free, creative and inductive thinking

 

SYLLABUS

1. Introduction. Geographic data models review. GIS analytical methods and spatial problems. Conceptual framework. Terminology. Application field.
2. Continuous data models. Grid formats and geographic data (grid datasets). Spatial Analysis, structures and functions. Advantages and problems. Discrete and continuous fields. Vector and raster data integration. Representation, geographic reference, accuracy and resolution of raster data. Transformations. Cell values, bands and ranges. Attribute Tables in raster files. Reclassification. Derivative information.
3. GIS and three-dimensional analysis. Features and application fields. Surface Models. Analytical procedures and derivative information. Interpolation methods. Production of isarithmic lines. Slope maps, aspect models, shaded relief and sun exposure models. Visibility Analysis. Calculating distances and directions. Cost surface models.
4. Grid models and spatial analysis methods. Features and application fields. Analytical geometric functions, spatial relationships and zonal statistics. Calculations and mathematical operations on raster files. Logical inquiries and combined information. Distance analysis, proximity and adjacency. Deriving combined statistical information. Density models and spatial distributions. Grid operations and Map Algebra. Location-allocation methods using grid data. Spatial classifications, cost models and accessibility models.
5. Geometric networks and GIS. Principles and scopes. Network elements and structure. Information associated with the network elements. Construction of a network model. Topology. Location-allocation models within a geometric network. Optimal route operations.
6. GIS Applications and environmental problems – applications: Water resources management. Feasibility study of a reservoir. Hazard Maps (Risk Mapping). Applications on flood phenomena and diseases dispersions.
7. Programming in GIS environment. Analytical procedures and creation of corresponding operating models. (Model Builder). Applications in Archaeology.

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Evaluation Language: Greek (English)
Evaluation methods:
• Written exam (winter or September exams period)
• Exercises evaluation
• Individual project evaluation
• Team project evaluation

 

ATTACHED BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. ESRI (2012) Using ArcGIS 3D Analyst
2. ESRI (2012) Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, Advanced Raster Spatial Analysis
3. ESRI (2012) Using ArcGIS Network Analyst
4. M. de Smith, M. Goodchild, P. Longley; Geospatial Analysis – a comprehensive guide. 3rd edition © 2006-2009, Published by Matador (an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd) on behalf of The Winchelsea Press; ISBN 13: 9781848761582; Free web version site: Spatial Analysis site (http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/output/)
5. DeMers, M., 2002, GIS modeling in raster, New York, Wiley.
6. Dibble C, Feldman P G (2004) The GeoGraph 3D computational laboratory: Network and terrain landscapes for Repast. J. of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 7(1): http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/7/1/7.html
7. Dodge M, Kitchin R (2001) Atlas of Cyberspace. Available as a free PDF file from: http://www.kitchin.org/atlas/index.html (originally published by Adison-Wesley).
8. ESRI (1996) Automation of map generalization ― the cutting edge technology. ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA: http://downloads.esri.com/support/whitepapers/ao/mapgen.pdf
9. Eastman J R (1989) Pushbroom algorithms for calculating distances in raster grids. Proceedings, Autocarto 9, 288-97. Available as a downloadable pdf from: http://mapcontext.com/autocarto/proceedings/auto-carto-9

Websites:
1. http://www.geodata.gov.gr/
2. INSPIRE
3. http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/general_provisions/l28195_el.htm
4. Τhe INSPIRE geoportal http://inspire-geoportal.ec.europa.eu/
5. www.ktimatologio.gr
6. Joint Research Centre – JRC – European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/about
7. Environmental Systems Research Institute http://www.esri.com/

Related academic journals:
MDPI Geographies, Geoscience