The course provides basic knowledge of geographical information analysis and cartography as well as ability to work with various digital methods to capture data and create maps and do analyzes in geographical information systems (GIS). Strong emphasis is placed on the analysis of information.

The course provides knowledge on how digital management of geographical information can be used, both theoretically and through applied examples. Within the course, a number of project work with various thematic content are carried out.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • explain the quality, features and uses of various types of map material and geographical information.
  • practically apply the basics of cartography such as projection, coordinate systems and cartographic conventions.
  • interpret and analyse geographical information.
  • discuss and critically reflect on geographical information.
  • present results and knowledge in writing in a scientifically correct manner.

Education

Instruction is conducted in the form of introductiuon, lecturers, exercises, seminars and project work. 

Examination

Student performance is evaluated through testing students’ knowledge and understanding as defined by the learning outcomes. Testing of knowledge and understanding takes place via written exam and oral and written presentation of project work. 

Course facts

Course coordinator: Samaneh Khaef (Autumn A–B, 50%)
Course code: KG1304
Name in English: GIS and Spatial Analysis I
Name in Swedish: GIS och rumslig analys I
Credits: 7.5 HECs
Cycle: First Cycle
Main field of study: Human geography. The course can be included in a bachelor's degree in the following main fields of study: human geography, and urban and regional planning.
Language of instruction:  Swedish or English. In the Autumn Semester there is a half-time (50%) course during semester period A–B in English, a half-time (50%) distance learning course during semester period C–D in Swedish, and a full-time (100%) course during semester period D in Swedish. In the Spring Semester there is a full-time course during semester period B; not offered freestanding.
Pace percentage:  100%, i.e. full-time, or 50%, i.e. half-time, see above
Delivery mode: On campus
Course start: Autumn Semester or Spring Semester, see above
Semester period:  D (Autumn), A–B (Autumn) and B (Spring), see above
Target group: The course is offered freestanding and is also a core course within the Bachelor's Programme in Human Geography – Society, Environment and Global Processes, 180 HECs, and the Bachelor's Programme in Urban and Regional Planning, 180 HECs.
Special eligibility requirements: General entry requirements
Selection: The grade point average of your upper secondary school leaving certificate 34%, the Swedish national university aptitude test 33%, Higher Education Credits 33%.
Application: See the University course catalogue
Limitations: The course cannot be included in a degree together with another course whose content fully or partly corresponds to the content of the course. The course KG1304 GIS and Spatial Analysis I, 7.5 HECs, replaces – and broadly corresponds to – Geographic Information Systems and Cartography, 7.5 HECs, within the course KG1201 Human Geography I, 30 HECs, KG1206 Geographic Information Systems and Cartography, 7.5 HECs, and Geographical Data, 7.5 HECs, within KG1217 Urban and Regional Planning I, 30 HECs. The course KG1304 GIS and Spatial Analysis I, 7.5 HECs, also broadly corresponds to the GIS elements in the two course modules Geographic Methodology I, 6 HECs, within GE2018 Geography I, 30 HECs, and Geographic Methodology II, 7.5 HECs, within GE4001 Geography II, 30 HECs.


Detailed information, including grading criteria, is provided at the course introduction and via the learning platform Athena. Syllabus, reading list and schedule are published below. When the syllabus is revised, this is done at least one month before the last application date. The reading list is usually revised before each course instance and this is done at least two months before the course starts. The schedule is available here no later than one month before the course starts, but minor schedule adjustments can be made later.