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103-0258-00L 3 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Interoperability of GIS

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Joram Schito
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:11

Abstract

This course deepens the understanding of two main interoperability principles used in Geographic Information Science. Students will expand their knowledge of databases and the Swiss standard INTERLIS and will learn to use different tools and mechanisms to transform geodata between different systems: file-based, by web services, or using a model-based approach to define data meaning semantically.

Objective

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the key principles of integrability in Geographic Information Science and apply them to geospatial data. 2. Explore the principles of syntactic and semantic interoperability and apply them to geospatial data using a variety of tools. 3. Gain an in-depth understanding of geodatabases, UML, INTERLIS, and of the model-driven data transfer with restructuring and apply this knowledge to geodata. 4. Analyze the ontological spectrum of interoperability principles with varying levels of semantic expressiveness and different formalisms. 5. Examine the historical development of Geographic Information Systems interoperability, including the evolution of different approaches used across different countries. 6. Apprehend and foster research skills and improve competences in scientific writing and communication through completion of a voluntary project work.

Content

The aim of this course is to provide students with a deep understanding of two key interoperability principles in Geographic Information Science. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a range of tools and mechanisms used to transform geospatial content across different file structures and databases. In particular, we will focus on the Conceptual Schema Language INTERLIS, which is used in Swiss surveying, while developing students’ abilities of interpreting, defining, and working with such models, also by using free and open-source tools. Furthermore, we will explore the concept of integrability, which is fundamental to establishing higher levels of interoperability. We will examine how interoperability can span an ontological spectrum from OGC Web Services to semantic transformation, which may one day be understood by machines. By the end of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the principles of interoperability and their applications in Geographic Information Science.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Students have the opportunity to earn additional 0.25 grade points on their total course unit grade by successfully completing a voluntary project work, which includes writing an extended abstract. This project work fosters students' communication and writing skills, their ability to apply scientific research methods, and enables them to expand their professional network. Possible project topics will be presented at the beginning of the course, but students are also encouraged to propose their own ideas and discuss them with the lecturer. It is important to note that even if students choose not to complete the project work, they can still earn a maximum grade of 6 in the course unit by achieving the highest possible score on the final examination.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Interoperability of GIS
  • Fri 13:45-15:30 (HIL G 22)
2 h weekly

Offered In