SGO1910 – Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems designed to collect, manage, edit, analyze and present spatial information. This course introduces the basic concepts and methods in mapping, spatial analysis, and GIS. It enables the students to make use of GIS software to study social phenomena. It encourages students to think both spatially and critically.

The following concepts are covered:

• Introduction to cartography and GIS
• Map design and visualization
• Map projections and spatial representations
• GIS project design and implementation
• Collection and management of spatial data
• Spatial analysis
• Qualitative GIS
• Uncertainty and how to deal with it
• Open-source data and software

The course is composed of lectures and seminars.

The lectures are structured into four parts:

1. Theory and background;
2. Different stages of GIS project development;
3. More advanced GIS functions; and
4. Limitations of GIS and problem solving.

A series of seminar exercises will enable the students to make practical use of GIS with hands-on experience. Throughout the course, students learn how to develop spatial research questions and how to conduct spatial analysis using QGIS. An applied project will integrate the concepts covered in the lectures with skills obtained through hands-on seminar assignments to explore a socio-spatial research question.

The students will:

Knowledge

• Understand what makes spatial data special data.
• Recognize what constitutes good maps and data visualizations.
• Learn basic spatial analysis, and how to make use of these techniques in studying social processes and phenomena.
• Learn how GIS can be used in social scientific research.
• Identify issues related to reliability and validity in spatial data.

Skills

• Learn to use desktop GIS software, including QGIS.
• Learn how to develop research questions and design projects to study spatial phenomena.
• Identify common errors and uncertainties and how to deal with them accordingly.
• Demonstrate the use of GIS as a social scientific research method.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and a case-based applied project. The applied project is intended for groups of two or three but may also be completed individually.

Teaching will be held in English. All readings and seminar instructions are in English.

Compulsory coursework

The applied project is compulsory in order to take the school exam. It should consist of maximum 3500 words and include a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 figures and/or tables.

Course convenors might ask for permission to use and present the applied projects in teaching, for knowledge sharing and innovation.

Completed and approved compulsory course work is valid until the course is no longer offered. Students who have failed to complete the compulsory coursework cannot take the exam.

Application for change of seminar Group

Absence from compulsory tuition activities

If you are ill or have another valid reason for being absent from compulsory tuition activities, your absence may be approved or the compulsory activity may be postponed.

• Report absence from or the need for a postponed deadline on a compulsory activity

Access to teaching

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

A 3-hour school exam.

Previous exams

The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

The group assignment can be written in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.