NOTE: This Geo-Information Science course is being redeveloped. Expect updated information in December 2025.
Scope: The course introduces Geo-Information Science. The starting point of the introduction is the geo-information cycle. This cycle frames geodata-based actions like acquisition, storage, processing and visualization of your data. It is explained that these actions can be used to describe, to analyse, to design and to realize real world phenomena as you address in your PhD research.
Due to the specific need to acquire, handle and visualize geodata, this course introduces the conceptual, formal and technical modelling steps. Important in these modelling steps are the roles of geographical data attributes (thematic, geometric, temporal). Because the acquisition and processing of geodata is purposive, metadata plays an important role to find geodata and geodata processing steps. It also is important to evaluate the (re)usability of geodata and geodata-processing steps. Metadata explain important geodata characteristics like (geo)reference, map projection and attribute domains. Geo-visualization, especially cartography concepts, is introduced to show how geo data ought to be communicated.
After the introduction of the geodata-related concepts, the course offers the geodata-processing options. The latter is done by the introduction of three data-handling classes (query, transform and alter) and the data-action model. The geodata that represent terrain height and processing of these elevation data is given some extra notice. Besides, basic concepts of Remote Sensing (spectral signature, sensor types, visual and quantitative processing) are also introduced.
The application of these concepts is practiced during a practical and can be projected on your own research material and approach. During the course we use professional software, ArcGISPro, and data, PDOK-based, taking into account a working procedure.
Learning outcomes:
After this course you should be able to:
- Recognize the basic terms of Geo-Information Science as may be encountered in science and society;
- Explain the components of the geo-information cycle and the main concepts of Geo-Information Science as needed in research;
- Practice elementary Geo-Information Science skills (data & software) by assignments;
- Discuss the knowledge and skills in the context of your research.
Target group: The course is aimed at PhD candidates, postdocs, and other academics
Course duration: TBD
Contact: PE&RC Office: office.pe@wur.nl
Registration of interest: You can register your interest HERE (note: this is not an official registration).
