General competencies of the subject are as follows:

G001: Acquire basic knowledge of sciences and use their results, integrating them with the social, economic, legal, and ethical spheres to identify environmental problems.

G002: Plan and develop environmental projects with a transdisciplinary approach.

G003: Integrate into work teams that carry out professional tasks, including teaching or research tasks, in the environmental field.

G004: Analyze, manage, and conserve the environment and associated resources in natural, rural, or urban environments, as well as design and develop plans.



Specific competencies of the subject are as follows:

M08CM03: Handle Geographic Information Systems at least at an intermediate user level and be capable of autonomously learning any commercial GIS.

M08CM04: Be able to identify the geographic components involved in the realization of analyses, works, or studies and transform them into geographic concepts.

M08CM05: Build data processing models based on geographic components and GIS functionalities.



The transversal competency of the subject is as follows:

G009: Be able to use information from various sources on an applied topic, interpret it appropriately, draw meaningful conclusions, and present them publicly.



Regarding learning outcomes, they are as follows:

1. Describe what a GIS is, use the terminology specific to these programs, and identify its potential as a tool within professional work.

2. Differentiate between geographic data, cartographic data, and metadata.

3. Identify the geographic components involved in the realization of analyses, works, or studies and transform them into geographic concepts.

4. Identify the necessary GIS functionalities to perform proper information processing.

5. Build data processing models based on geographic components and GIS functionalities.

6. Handle a Geographic Information System at least at an intermediate user level.

7. Demonstrate autonomy in handling any commercial GIS.

The syllabus of the subject will be as follows:



1. Introduction to the subject

2. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

3. Introduction to Cartography

4. Geographic Information Models

5. Data Sources

6. Database Queries and Operations

7. Vector Analysis

8. Raster Analysis

Following the active methodologies that have been implemented recently, in the teaching process of this subject, problem-based learning and collaborative learning will be followed. Specifically, in the lectures, the teacher will conduct presentations using audiovisual materials (PowerPoint and videos) to establish the foundations of the subject and address the most complex concepts, especially in the initial weeks. As a complement, the "Puzzle" technique will be used whenever possible, where students will work in groups on specific theoretical topics and concepts, which they will later present and discuss with the rest of the class.



To address practical problems (computer labs and seminars), a specific Geographic Information System software called QGIS or a similar one will be used. In these sessions, in addition to brief explanations by the teacher, students will solve environmental problems presented, commenting at the end on the results obtained by different groups and opening a discussion session.

- Written exam (to be developed) (30%)

- Practical exams (40%)

- Presentation of works (20%) and deliverables (10%)



To pass the subject, it is essential to achieve a minimum grade of 40% in all considered parts.



The student may waive the proposed evaluation to be assessed through the final evaluation system, provided they submit a written waiver to the professor in charge of the subject before week 10 of the semester. Once the waiver document is received, it must be signed by both the student and the responsible professor, with the latter being responsible for informing the other involved teachers. In case of waiver, the student must take a practical exam that will account for 50% of the grade and another theoretical exam with equal value. It is necessary to obtain at least 40% in each part to pass the subject.

Provided in the virtual classroom.

Basic bibliography

Olaya, V. (2020). Sistemas de Información Geográfica (http://volaya.github.io/libro-sig/)

Santos Preciado, J. M. (2004). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Madrid.

In-depth bibliography

Burrough, P. A., McDonnell, R., McDonnell, R. A., & Lloyd, C. D. (2015). Principles of geographical information systems. Oxford university press.
Chuvieco Salinero, E. (2006). Teledetección Ambiental: La observación de la Tierra desde el Espacio. Ariel.
Delaney, J., & Van Niel, K. (2007). Geographical information systems: an introduction. Oxford University Press, USA.
Graser, A. (2013). Learning QGIS 2.0. Packt Publishing Ltd.
Gómez Delgado, M., Cano, B., & Ignaciocoaut, J. (2006). Sistemas de información geográfica y evaluación multicriterio en la ordenación del territorio (No. 910.285 G65).
Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2005). Geographic information systems and science. John Wiley & Sons.
Ian, H. (2010). An introduction to geographical information systems. Pearson Education India.
Kurt Menke, G. I. S. P., Smith Jr, R., Pirelli, L., & John Van Hoesen, G. I. S. P. (2016). Mastering QGIS. Packt Publishing Ltd.
Mandel, A., Ferrero, V. O., Graser, A., & Bruy, A. (2016). QGIS 2 cookbook. Packt Publishing Ltd.
Olaya, V. (2020). Sistemas de información geográfica. ISBN: 978-1-71677-766-0. Disponible en
https://volaya.github.io/libro-sig/.
Puebla, J. G., & Gould, M. (1994). SIG: Sistemas de información geográfica. Síntesis.

Journals

Computers & Geosciences. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/computers-and-geosciences
International Journal of Geographical Information Science. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tgis20/current
Transactions in GIS. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14679671
Cartography and Geographic Information Science. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tcag20/current
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijgi
GeoFocus. http://www.geofocus.org/index.php/geofocus