Learning objectives
The Cartography module has the objective to provide the students with the theoretical basis of Cartography. Moreover, they will learn how to read topographic maps, to determine the coordinates of a point, to create topographical transects, and to delimit catchment areas. In the GIS module the students will learn to manage the digital geographic data, using the open source software QGIS, handling complex problems such as georepherencing of maps, management of raster and vector data formats, the extraction of information by means of geographic information systems.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The Cartography and GIS modules are carried out through lectures on the theory of Cartography, on the characteristics of topographic maps and practical activities related to: determination of coordinates in geographic and kilometric reference systems; construction of topographic profiles; delimitation of river basins.
The part concerning the use of a GIS is carried out through lectures and through practical activities at the computer. Acquired knowledge of the most commonly used commands for the visualization and analysis of cartographic works, the digitalization of cartographic data with the QGIS open source software.
Full programme
Cartography:
History of cartography and measurements of the Earth dimensions (outline)
Classification of maps; general maps and thematic maps.
Reference ellipsoids and azimuthal cartographic projections; of conical and cylindrical development; Geographic grid and calculation of the coordinates of a point (Rome40 and ED50 datum).
Triangulations and photogrammetric survey (outline).
Cartographic organs and official Italian cartography.
Gauss-Boaga cross-grid and UTM and calculation of the coordinates of a point.
Characteristics and methods of use of the GPS system (Global Positioning System).
Cartographic symbols.
Altitude representation of the terrain, contour lines, altitude of a point, distance and acclivity between two points
Execution of the topographic profile.
Delimitation of river basins.
Features of the Regional Technical Card.
Overview of numerical cartography.
GIS:
General features of a GIS.
Specific features of QGIS, a Free and Open Source Geographic Information System
The main commands:
for the management of the working environment, the layers;
for the management of the raster data;
for the management of vector data;
for database management.
Geoprocessing and query
digital cartography in the geoportals; data acquisition and WMS services
digitalization and georeferencing of cards
Change of coordinate systems and change of datum.
Extraction of information from a DEM or its deviates, in a given point, along a line (topographic profile) and in an area.
Bibliography
Cartography:
Perego S.: Cartografia . Lettura delle Carte Topografiche, 2010.
GIS:
Migliaccio F., Carrion D. Sistemi informativi territoriali. UTET, 2016.
Teaching methods
The course is carried out through lectures and practical activities on maps and computer, 6 credits, for a total of 48 hours. Acquired knowledge of the most commonly used commands for the visualization and analysis of the cartographic works, the digitalization of cartographic data and the creation of layouts through QGIS. Practical applications of using a GIS are performed along the course.
The slides used to support the lessons are uploaded on a weekly basis on the Elly platform. To download the slides, you need to register for the online course. The slides are considered an integral part of the teaching material, and are to be used to integrate the information received during the course with the necessary insights to be done individually on the indicated textbooks. Non-attending students are reminded to check the didactic material available and the information provided by the teacher through the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
IMPORTANT: You can access the Cartography exam only if you have passed the oral exam of Physical Geography (first semester).
The GIS exam is accessed only if the Cartography exam has been passed.
- Cartography Mod.: the exam is subdivided into two parts (the grade of the first part is added to the grade of the second part). The Cartography Mod. is passed if an overall grade> = 18/30 is obtained and if no serious errors are made in the second part (i.e., no grade with 0).
1st part) Coordinates of a point in the 4 coordinate systems (UTM kilometric, Gauss-Boaga kilometric, Italian geographic and international geographic) [5/30], theory test of 5 questions with closed answers [5/30].
2nd part) construction of a topographic profile [10/30] and delimitation of a hydrographic basin [10/30] from a topographic map.
The grade of the practical exam is possibly communicated within 24 hours if requested from the student for accessing the GIS exam in the following days.
- Mod. GIS: the exam is subdivided into two parts (the grade of the first part is added to the grade of the second part).
1st part) Execution of an exercise to verify the knowledge acquired in data management and use of some fundamental functions of QGIS [25/30]. The problem to be solved is based on the exercises seen during the course.
2nd part) theory test of 5 questions with closed answers [5/30].
The grade of the practical exam is possibly communicated within 1-3 days.
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
The knowledge of cartography and GIS is essential for environmental and ecosystem management, in favor of life on Earth (objective # 15 of the 2030 Agenda for the sustainable development). The course provides the elements for being able to carry out multitemporal analyzes of the physical environment, and biogeographic analyzes within the field of the Physical Geography.
