École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Geographical Information Systems - Part 2
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Geographical Information Systems - Part 2

Taught in English

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Marc Soutter
Stéphane Joost
Fernand Koffi Kouamé

Instructors: Marc Soutter

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

11 quizzes

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There are 6 modules in this course

Objects in geographic space are modeled as discontinuous spatial phenomena whose properties are defined according to the geometric, thematic and spatial dimensions: geometric. The properties of these spatial objects can be described by different indices that characterize an object’s shape, size, spatial distribution or even its spatial dependence. When considered simultaneously, in conjunction with the study context, these indices describe the landscape under investigation.

What's included

6 videos2 quizzes

A phenomenon is considered spatially continuous if it is defined at all points in geographic space, and if its properties vary locally in a gradual and structured manner. Elevation, soil humidity, heavy metal concentration and other soil contaminants are common examples of continuous spatial phenomena. This module will begin by touching on different sampling methods, then deterministic interpolation methods that do not require any a priori study of the phenomenon. Working to the heart of the lesson, we will then introduce geostatistics, which are based on the notion of random functions, and we will finish by discussing the concepts and application of regionalized variables, variogram analysis and kriging.

What's included

5 videos1 quiz

Topographical relief plays both a revealing and explanatory role in determining the way phenomena unfold on the Earth’s surface. It constitutes an important element in the determination of human settlement patterns and also controls environmental conditions that favor, or hamper, the establishment and development of different plant and animal colonies. Correspondingly, relief occupies a central position in spatial analysis and is important for any discipline that is interested in human activity or natural phenomena. This chapter will present a brief overview of the different methods used to acquire elevation data and will also cover the algorithms, and their properties, that are used to derive important descriptive indicators of relief.

What's included

3 videos2 quizzes

Through spatial overlay, GIS can be used to combine data from different sources or in different formats (raster or vector) by transferring information between layers according to their spatial relationships. Often the analysis of geographically distributed phenomena requires that data from different sources can be considered simultaneously. This is made possible through spatial overlay - the defining functionality and primary advantage of geographic information systems.

What's included

4 videos2 quizzes

This week, you will learn how apply established rules from thematic mapping in order to effectively present geographic information. You will learn how to treat quantitative or qualitative information, and we will show you how to use the QGIS Print Composer so that you can create your own thematic maps. Thematic maps should be created with a certain number of constraints in mind. These rules - for example, to choose color palettes that respect the semiology of graphics, to ensure that your map includes a number of essential components such as a legend, scale, data sources and description – ensure efficient information transfer and effective interpretation.

What's included

4 videos1 quiz

In this final week of our course, we will focus on alternative methods of representing geographic information, particularly through dynamic web-based mapping, three dimensional representations and, finally, we will see how augmented reality can be incorporated into geographic information systems.

What's included

3 videos3 quizzes

Instructors

Marc Soutter
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
4 Courses59,202 learners
Stéphane Joost
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
4 Courses59,202 learners
Fernand Koffi Kouamé
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
4 Courses59,202 learners

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