https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AB_1086Geo Data (a.k.a. Geospatial data, spatial data or geographic information) is data referenced to a place recorded as a set of geographic coordinates). Everything happens somewhere and often taking into account the location of an event or phenomena is important in understanding it. We use Geographic Information systems to capture, manipulate, analyse and visualize data. In this course you will get an insight into the ways in which the geo data is obtained and learn in a structured way to assess the applicability of the geo data. You will use Open Data and Remote Sensing and assess, among other, its thematic and spatial quality. You will be able to identify the requirements of the geo data in order to solve a spatial problem. In addition, you will prepare your geo data so that it is suitable for the geographic analysis and visualization. After completing this course, students should be able to:define and implement a systematic approach to a spatial problem as PPDAC cycle, this course focuses on Problem, Plan and Data.understand the relevant geographic data and techniques for sourcing data depending on the purpose of the question to answer.determine possible and appropriate data models based on characteristics of data, such as spatial unit and scale.understand the consequences of the choice of data, data models and pre-processing with respect to the (final) result.Apply techniques to collect and harvest data and transform it for analysis.The topics are introduced and discussed in lectures in the morning. In the afternoon, we will apply the theory in practical assignments. The practical exercises can be used for the case study as an example and input. The following topics are covered:Spatial data models;Data sources;Introduction to python (collecting data via APIs);Data preprocessing;Earth Observation using Remote Sensing;Data quality theory.The topics are introduced and discussed in lectures in the morning. In the afternoon, we will apply the theory in practical exercises. The practical exercises can be used for the case study, as examples or direct input. The exercise are mandatory and graded with pass/fail.Your skills will be assessed via an exam with open and closed questions (weighting 40%) and 60% of the grade via a case study (40% for the report of the case study and 10% for the poster and its presentation). The minimum score on each of the components (poster, case study report and exam) is 5.0.Text book: Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2015). Geographic information science and systems. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-1-118-67695-0This course is part of the GIS minor (Nationale Geo-Information Minor) at the VU. You can only take this course in parallel with the Geographic Analysis and Visualization course.Third year students of universities and applied universities in the Netherlands can apply. To register, please email Eduardo Dias (
[email protected]) with a list of your grades and an explanation of your previous experience with GIS.Basic knowledge of GIS is required. For example, you have followed a GIS introductory course or cartography course. If you have not followed any GIS courses previously, you can catch up by following online courses during the summer. Please contact the Minor coordinators for more info.Problem solving attitude (if it is not working, search for a solution independently), affinity with computers, basic statistics.