Spatial Decisions Support Systems

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to present the necessary concepts to students, so that they are able to highlight Geographic Information Systems as a mechanism for supporting and planning spatial decisions through the theory, methods, techniques, and applications of spatial analysis, in continuous and discontinuous spatial data models, using modern tools, methods, and techniques in an ever-changing competitive environment. Because by its nature the science of Geographical Information is an interdisciplinary subject, which in addition to the high standards of its theoretical existence has a large section for the application of its methods, the course material is structured in two distinct but interconnected sections (theoretical and applied). It aims at a deeper understanding of both the substance and the methodology, as well as the management of geospatial information in the appropriate way, which leads to its emergence, as a key factor influencing decision-making with parameters that depend on natural and man-made phenomena. At the same time, the knowledge and skills acquired by the students in the subject do not lead to a sterile and strictly theoretical training, but through a known and accessible to the average of the students in the 7th level of complexity of the subjects raised, they are faced with issues. to be faced in the labor market. In addition, they receive all those cognitive supplies and skills, which in combination with the more specific cognitive subjects of the Science of Geographical Information contained in their curriculum, acquire the opportunity to claim their place in the next level (8th) of their studies.

According to the design of the content of the specific subject, students cognitively approach the following:

1. The spatial relations between continuous and discontinuous spatial entities
2. The models of spatial distributions
3. The identification of spatial patterns with specific characteristics and properties
4. The critical evaluation of spatial analysis methods.

Therefore, the objectives of this subject matter extend to a description of those who have successfully attended this subject, which has the following characteristics:

1. The assimilation of theoretical and objective knowledge in terms of analytical and synthetic treatment of geospatial information that leads to spatial decisions.
2. The development of mental and practical skills in solving spatial analysis problems.
3. The development of skills through the synthetic creation and support of arguments during the spatial transformation, reinforcing in terms of responsibility and autonomy for the acquisition of sufficient capacity for further professional and personal development.
4. The development of possibilities of a professional approach to the object through the use of the knowledge and understanding acquired during the design and implementation of applications that complete a spatial decision-making system.

 

General Competences

• Search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information, using the necessary technologies
• Adaptation to new situations
• Decision making
• Autonomous work
• Teamwork
• Exercise criticism and self-criticism
• Promoting free, creative, and inductive thinking

 

SYLLABUS

Theoretical Part of the Course:

1. The conceptual framework of spatial analysis using GIS
   • Terminology
   • Basic principles and methods
   • Continuous and discontinuous geospatial data models
   • Analysis of the European Directive (2007/2 / EC – INSPIRE) and the corresponding Greek one (Law 3882/2010) for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
   • Spatial Relations
   • Spatial Statistics (distance, density, regression and autocorrelation)
2. Spatial Analysis Methodology in Discontinuous and Continuous Spatial Data Models
   • Geographic Data Interactions
   • The concept of entity in spatial analysis, characteristics and properties
   • Spatial queries – spatial queries
   • The analysis categories for discontinuous entities
   • The analysis categories for continuous entities
   • Logical operations on the characteristics of one or more entities
   • Functions in features of multiple entities that overlap in space.
   • Spatial components when retrieving multiple properties in single geospatial entities
   • Methods of generalization and simplification of entities
3. Spatial Analysis Operations
   • Transactions between levels of geospatial information.
   • Digital background update.
   • Remove digital background features.
   • Peripheral Zones
   • Analysis with thematic criteria.
   • Change of cartographic information with geometric and thematic criteria.
   • Generalization and simplification operations
4. Support for spatial decisions in GIS:
   • Introduction to the basic concepts
   • General principles and structures of decision-making systems, components.
   • Demarcation of spatial problems.
   • Decision making procedures.
   • The multi-criteria analysis
   • Creation of location models with automated processes through programming.
5. GIS applications in Greece: Detailed presentation of the design of the structure and their operation.
6. GIS applications internationally. Specifications, standards, references to actions of international organizations for geographical information

 

Applied Part of the Course

• Applications of Spatial Analysis functions using modern commercial and free / open source GIS software.
• Composition of applications oriented to spatial decision making
• Planning principles in GIS and creation of location-allocation models for human activities.
• Geospatial information diffusion functions on the web.
• Interoperability

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Language of Evaluation: Greek
Evaluation Methods:
• Written exam at the end of the semester (Multiple choice, short development and problem-solving exercises)
• Homework evaluation (development of theoretical topic and commentary of scientific articles
• Evaluation of laboratory work (gradual development of project for management and analysis in a GIS environment)
• Oral presentation of work (Ms Office presentation of the theoretical topic)

 

ATTACHED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books
1. Pappas, V, 2011. GIS in Spatial Planning: Scientific Edition of the University of Patra (Greek language)
2. Zisou, A, 2010. ArcGIS Extensions: Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Theory and Practice, Publication in Greek language, by Stamoulis Editions
3. E. Stefanakis, 2010. “Geographical Databases and GIS”. 2nd edition. Publication in Greek language, by Papasotiriou Editions.
4. Karnavou, E., 2002. GIS and Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Contemporary Greece, Publication in Greek language, by Observer Editions
5. Koutsopoulos Κ., 2002. GIS and Spatial Analysis, Publication in Greek language, by Papasotiriou Editions.
6. Tsatsaris, Α., Katsios, Ι., 2020, GIS in Spatial Analysis of Continuous Entities. Notes in Greek language.
7. Alibrandi, M, Fitzpatrick, 2003, GIS in the classroom: Using Geographic Information Systems in social studies and environmental science, Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann
8. DeMers, M, 2002, GIS modeling in raster, New York: Wiley.
9. Hunsaker, C, 2001, Spatial uncertainty in ecology: implications for remote sensing and GIS applications, New York: Springer.
10. Lawson, A, Denison, D, 2002, Spatial cluster modeling, Boca Raton, FL : Chapman & Hall/CRC
11. Malczewski, J, 1999, GIS and multicriteria decision analysis New York: Wiley.
12. Stillwell, J, Clarke, G, 2004, Applied GIS and spatial analysis, Wiley

 

Web pages

1. http://csiss.ncgia.ucsb.edu/ (Center for Spatially Integrated Social Science)

2. http://teachspatial.org/ (Resources for Spatial Teaching & Learning)

3. http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/ (Geospatial Analysis – A comprehensive guide)

4. http://www.gitta.info/website/en/html/index.html (Geographic Information Technology Training Alliance)

 

Scientific Journals
1. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, Taylor & Francis
2. Journal of Spatial Science, Taylor & Francis
3. Geoinformatica, Springer
4. Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer
5. GISciences & Remote Sensing, Bellwether Publishing, Ltd.
6. Journal of Geographic Information System, Scientific Research
7. ISPRS-International Journal of Geo-Information (IJGI is an open access journal of MDPI)