This is an optional course offered jointly in the Bachelor's Degree in Geography and Land Management and in the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences. Students of Geography and Land Management may take this optional course in the third or fourth year, according to their choice or depending on the number of places available, while students of Environmental Sciences will take it in the fourth year.



Therefore, it complements the basic training that students have received through the subject "Geographic Information Systems" (compulsory in the 2nd year of the Geography and Land Management degree and compulsory in the 3rd year of the Environmental Sciences degree).



The main objective of this subject is to provide new skills -and to contribute to strengthen the already acquired ones- to work efficiently and autonomously with Geographic Information Systems and to know how to solve spatial analysis problems related to environmental management and land management. Thus, through this subject they will put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the basic training on the subject but, this time, through cases closer to professional practice.



The current situation and future forecasts indicate that the basic and advanced handling of Geographic Information Systems will be an important plus in the training of professionals in Geography and Environmental Sciences or even a necessary condition within the current competitive framework of specialized employment.

I. COMPETENCIES

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES OF MODULE M04 CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES OF THE DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING OF THE TERRITORY TO BE DEVELOPED IN THIS COURSE (according to the Verified Memory of the degree, last version):



M04CM01: Know and apply techniques for obtaining, storing, processing, analysis and graphic and cartographic expression of geographic information.



MC04CM02: Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of statistical basis, as well as design and manage database management systems and exploit the information contained in data repositories, both spatial and non-spatial.



MO4CM04: To be able to design, develop and manage Geographic Information Systems and computer-aided cartography, at a higher level.



In turn, the basic competences CB2 (That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess skills that are usually demonstrated through the development and defense of arguments and problem solving within their area of study) and CB5 (That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy) will be developed. Also the general competency of the degree G006 (Use of ICTs in the analysis and communication of research results) and the transversal competencies CT4 (Problem solving) and CT5 (Teamwork) linked respectively to the competencies of the degree G001 (Being able to learn and update permanently) and G003 (Being able to work autonomously and in a team).



SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES OF MODULE M08 INSTRUMENTAL MATERIALS OF THE DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES TO BE DEVELOPED IN THIS COURSE (according to the Verified Memory of the degree, last version):



M08CM03: To handle Geographic Information Systems at least at intermediate user level, and to be able to learn autonomously any commercial GIS.



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



M08CM05: Build data processing models from the geographic components and GIS functionalities.



In turn, the basic competences CB2 and CB5 mentioned above, the general competence of the degree G003 (to integrate in work teams that develop professional tasks, including teaching or research, in the environmental field, as well as the transversal competence G009 (To be able to use information from various sources on an applied topic, interpret it properly, draw meaningful conclusions and present them publicly) will be developed.



II. LEARNING OUTCOMES



1. Define and explain the theoretical principles and the analysis and modeling functions that allow the application of GIS as a tool for the resolution of environmental and land management problems (M04CM01 and M08CM03).



2. Identifies and differentiates the main Multicriteria Evaluation Techniques (M04CM01 and M08CM03).



3. Solves a real geographic problem transferring it to the computer support by means of its abstraction (MC04CM02 and M08CM04).



4. Applies advanced functions of spatial analysis and modeling using a GIS (M04CM02, M04CM04, M08CM03).



5. Applies multi-criteria evaluation techniques in a GIS environment as an aid in an environmental and territorial planning process for decision making (M04CM01, M04CM04, M08CM05).



6. Prepares thematic cartography related to the environment and land use planning using a GIS tool (M04CM01, M04CM04, M08CM03).



7. Plans and generates works of optimal location of facilities and human activities in the territory. Studies of aptitudes, impacts and territorial capacity. Landscape analysis. Other thematic examples of application (M04CM02, M04CM04, M08CM03 and M08CM04).



8. Design and elaborate a practical application project using a GIS in all its phases: information input, processing, analysis and cartographic outputs (M04CM01, M04CM02, M04CM04, M08CM03, M08CM04, M08CM05 and M09CM02).

THEORETICAL TOPICS:

1. GIS as a tool for territorial analysis, management and planning. Most outstanding fields of application and current trends.

2. Spatial Data Infrastructures: geospatial data, metadata and services.

3. Geographic Information Systems in the resolution of environmental and territorial problems. Main spatial analysis and modeling operations. Fundamentals of LiDAR technology.

4. Geographic Information Systems and the integration of Multicriteria Evaluation Techniques.



PRACTICAL TOPICS:

1. Presentation and familiarization with the program: general characteristics, file types, interface, metadata manager, input processes, transformation and visualization of information.

2. Edition of geographic and alphanumeric information.

3. Technical procedures for vectorial spatial analysis.

4. Advanced techniques for raster spatial analysis and cartographic modeling.

5. Multi-criteria analysis.

6. Cartographic compositions.

7. Realization of a practical application project using a GIS in all its phases: information input, processing, analysis and cartographic outputs.

8. Introduction to ArcGis Pro.

- Master classes

- Case studies

- Individual internship/GIS project

- Visit to GeoEuskadi's offices and lecture by the people in charge



The methodology entails classroom explanations of theoretical concepts that underpin the computer practices. These explanations facilitate comprehension of the GIS procedures developed and aid in interpreting results. Practical exercises, conducted autonomously but under the guidance of the instructor, are pivotal for grasping spatial analysis functions and acquiring proficiency in GIS software utilization.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 50
  • Practical exam (%): 50

CONTINUOUS EVALUATION SYSTEM: a set of tests and evaluation activities will allow assessing the progress of each student throughout the training period (whose weight will be 50% of the final grade) and will be complemented with a practical exam on the official date established for it (which will account for the remaining 50% of the final grade). The practical tests carried out throughout the four-month period must be handed in on the established dates, so any delays will be penalized. In order to pass the course an average grade of five points in both parts will be required. If one of the two parts of the course (theoretical-practical exam or set of practices) is approved in the ordinary exam, the grade will be kept for the extraordinary exam but not for the following academic year. Failure to appear for the exam will imply the waiver of the evaluation call and its grade will be Not shown.



EVALUATION CRITERIA:



1. Practical test to be developed (50 % of the final grade. The following aspects will be assessed: a) The correctness of the procedure followed; b) The correctness of the results.



2. Practical tests/GIS project of continuous evaluation (50 % of the final grade). The following aspects will be evaluated: a) Correct resolution of the practical exercises proposed; b) Adequate preparation of the models that synthesize the methodological procedure followed; c) Correctness in the way of transferring the real geographic problem posed to the GIS; d) Correctness in the operations and treatment of the data; e) Compliance and appropriate development of all the phases that make up the GIS project; f) Adequate analysis and interpretation of the results obtained.



Students will have the right to be evaluated by the FINAL EVALUATION SYSTEM, regardless of whether or not they have participated in the continuous evaluation system. In this case, the exam will be the same from the one established for the continuous evaluation system, not being exempted from the delivery of practical exercises, although with delivery on the date of the exam, in order to also evaluate the learning results achieved through the realization of practices.

To opt for the final evaluation system, students must submit in writing to the faculty responsible for the subject the waiver of continuous assessment and their option to the final evaluation, for which they will have a maximum period of 9 weeks from the beginning of the term (Regulations governing the evaluation of students in the official undergraduate degrees, article 8). In the case of a final evaluation, failure to take the test set on the official exam date will result in the automatic waiver of the corresponding exam (art. 12).

The evaluation of the subjects in the extraordinary calls will be carried out exclusively through the final evaluation system.

The final evaluation test of the extraordinary call will consist of the same evaluation activities used in the ordinary call. If one of the two parts of the course (practical exam or continuous evaluation practices) was passed in the ordinary exam, that part of the grade will be kept for the extraordinary exam. The student will only have to take the failed part.

- Materials deposited in the eGela virtual platform (updated annually):
- Manuals of the GIS programs used.
- Case studies
- Material prepared by the teaching staff for the resolution of practical exercises
- ArcGis Desktop software
- ArcGis Pro software

Basic bibliography

- Barredo, J.L. (1996). Sistemas de Información Geográfica y evaluación multicriterio en la ordenación del territorio. Ed. Ra-Ma.

- Booth, B. et al. (2000). Getting started with ArcGIS. Systems Research Institute, Inc.

- Bosque Sendra, J. et al. (2004). Sistemas de Información Geográfica y localización de instalaciones y equipamientos. Ed. RA-MA.

- Collado Latorre, J.C. et al. (2013). ArcGIS 10: prácticas paso a paso. Editorial Universidad Politécnica de Valencia.

- Harder, C. et al. (2015). The ArcGIS book. Esri Press. Redlands, California.

- Krygier, J. et al. (2011) Making maps. A visual guide to map design for GIS. The Guilford Press.

- Lain Huerta, L. et al. (2002). Los Sistemas de Información Geográfica en la gestión de los riesgos geológicos y el medio ambiente. Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME).

- McCoy, J. et al. (2001-2002). Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. ESRI.

- Mancebo Quintana, S. et al. (2009). LibroSIG: aprendiendo a manejar los SIG en la gestión ambiental: ejercicios. Los autores.

- Moreno, A., et al. (2012). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Aplicaciones en diagnósticos territoriales y decisiones geoambientales. Ed. Ra-Ma.

- Olaya, V. (2012). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Licencia Creative Commons. http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Libro_SIG

- Santos Preciado, J. M. (2004). Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia.

In-depth bibliography

- Barba Romero, S. et al. (1997). Decisiones multicriterio. Fundamentos teóricos y utilización práctica. Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Alcalá.
- Del Bosque González, I. et al (2012). Los Sistemas de Información Geográfica y la Investigación en Ciencias Humanas y Sociales. CSIC, Madrid.
- Gutierrez Puebla, J. et al. (1994). S.I.G.: Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Ed. Síntesis, col. Espacios y Sociedades.
- Malczewski, J. (1999). GIS and multicriteria decision analysisis. J. Wiley.
- Peña Llopis, J. (2006). Sistemas de Información Geográfica aplicados a la gestión del territorio. Universidad de Alicante.
- Porcal Gonzalo, M.C. (2015). Strategy for the management, preservation and reutilization of geographic information based on the lifecycle of geospatial data: an assessment and a proposal based on experiences from Spain and Europe, Taylor & Francis, Journal of Maps & Geography Libraries.
- Taboada González, J.A. et al. (2005). Sistemas de información medioambiental. Ed. Netbiblo.

Journals

-Revista GeoFocus. http://www.geo-focus.org
-Revista CYBERGEO. http://www.cybergeo.presse.fr
-Revista GEOEUROPE. http: www.geoplace.com
-Revista MAPPING. http: www.mappinginteractivo.com
-Revista Mappemonde. http://www.mgm.fr./PUB/Mappemonde/Mappre fr
-Geoworld- http.://www.geoplace.com/MagServices
-Imago Mundi.- http://www.maphistory.info/imago.html

Web addresses

-Grupo de Tecnologías de la Información Geográfica de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, http://www.ieg.csic.es/age/metodos
-AESIG- Asociación Española de Sistemas de Información Geográfica. http.://www.aesig.org
-NOSOLOSIG.COM. http://nosolosig.com
-GIS.COM. http: www.gis.com
-Instituto Geográfico Nacional: http: www.ign.es
-Centro Nacional de Información Geográfica. http: www.cnig.es
-Instituto Cartográfico de Cataluña. http:www.icc.es
-Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. http://www.igme.es
-Cartografía del Gobierno Vasco. http.://www.euskadi.net/cartografia
- Cartografía de Álava. http.://www.alava.net/cartografia
- Cartografía de Navarra. http.://sitna.cfnavarra.es
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sistema de Información Ambiental. http: www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/ceac/siam
- http: earth.google.com
- Página personal de A.M. Felicísimo. http.: www.etsimo.uniovi.es/usr/feli
- Servicio de SIG y Teledetección de la Universidad de Gerona. http.://sigte.udg.es
- Departamento de Geografía de la Universidad de Alcalá. http.://www.geogra.uha.es