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651-4031-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW
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Geographic Information Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Andri Baltensweiler, Dr. Marielle Fraefel Kocher
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:27

Abstract

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and data processing capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Practical application of geospatial data management and analysis functions based on a selected geoscience project.

Objective

Students can - explain the basic principles of GIS - solve a complex, real-world GIS problem in the field of Earth Science - apply the principles of data modelling and geoprocessing with ArcGIS Pro: data design and modelling, data acquisition, data integration of different data types (including LiDAR data), spatial analysis of vector and raster data, special functions for digital terrain modelling and hydrology, map production and 3D visualisation.

Content

Theoretical introduction to the concepts, spatial data types and spatial data handling functions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Application of data modeling principles and geoprocessing capabilities using ArcGIS Pro: data design and modeling, data acquisition and integration, spatial analysis of vector and raster data, particular functions for digital terrain modeling and hydrology, map generation and 3D-visualization.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture Script: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Tutorial: Introduction to ArcGIS Pro. All lecture materials are provided digitally.

Literature

Longley P.A., Goodchild M.F., Maguire D.J., Rhind D.W. (2015): Geographic Information Systems and Science. Fourth Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England. Burrough P.A., McDonnell R.A. and Lloyd C.D. (2015): Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Third edition. Oxford : Oxford University Press, England. Jones, C.B. (2013): Geographical Information Systems and Computer Cartography. Taylor & Francis eBooks Complete. Available Online ETHZ library.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
60
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 15.09.2025 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geographic Information Systems
  • Wed 08:15-12:00 (HG E 26.1)
  • Wed 08:15-12:00 (HG E 26.3)
  • 05.11 Date 08:15-12:00 (CHN D 48)
4 h weekly

Offered In