GIS as a Tool in Social Planning

The course introduces the area of Geographic Information Technology (GIT) and the use of Geographic Informations Systems (GIS). The representation of reality in digital form in a GIS and how the data are collected and made available are treated. Students are introduced to a common GIS software. The introduction exercises are alternated with software exercises, which gives students the opportunity to reinforce and apply their knowledge. Instruction is in the form of lectures, seminars, computer sessions, and group work. Theory and practice alternate throughout the course. An important part of the course is understanding the role of geographic information in society today and the available infrastructure of geographic information in the form of:<br> \- institutional frameworks (for instance legislation)<br> \- standards, specifications, and guidelines for using geographic data<br> \- regulations on basic geographic data needed in society<br> \- technological infrastructure<br> \- research, development, and education. Students complete a group project about a topic of their own choice, use GIS in the project, and write individual project reports