Study Guide

Objectives

During the course the students learn to understand the concept of spatial information and to utilize spatial data materials and programs.

After completing the course, the student:
• knows what location-related information means, understands ways of modeling spatial data, and distinguishes between vector and raster data
• can download, process, and present open numerical spatial data
• can search and classify data based on attribute information and edit attribute data
• can search for objects based on location
• can produce new spatial data
• can split, combine, and separate overlapping spatial data and create zones for map features
• can collect data with field applications and utilize it in open-source geographic information system software (QGIS)
• gains basic skills to exploit the opportunities provided by the development of geospatial technology

Content

Coordinate systems, numerical spatial data, key functions related to managing and utilizing spatial data, basic spatial analysis, satellite positioning, data collection and transferring to a geographic information system.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student can download and add spatial data to GIS software, perform coordinate system determinations, manage data, and distinguish between vector and raster data. The student can modify the appearance of objects, create thematic maps, search for objects in map data, and save search results as their own map layers. They can save location information to a GPS device and transfer data to a geographic information system.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

In addition to the above, the student can edit and draw map features, update attribute information, produce vector spatial data, rectify raster data to a coordinate system, create point features based on coordinate values, and create a map printout with key elements.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

In addition to the above, the student can manage data in different coordinate systems, combine vector data, transfer objects from one map layer to another, and use intersection and zone analysis for simple analytical purposes.