The advent of geographic information systems and remote sensing has simplified the procedures of spatial data collection, storage, retrieval, manipulation and reporting. The techniques are supported further by the increased availability of open sources programs, open source post GIS programs and near free satellite images. The course mainly focuses on how these tools and images can be exploited to support the decision making process. The course also discusses the basic and fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) introducing approaches and paradigms for modelling space and how both graphical and attribute data can be integrated. This course will be very relevant to those working, or would like to work with Geographic Information Systems and are looking for a qualification that shows they have a sound grasp of the principles of these technologies, an ability to apply the principles in their respective area of interest as well as create awareness of the surrounding issues.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, students will be;
- Equipped with the basic fundamental principles, applications, trends, and pertinent issues of geographic information systems and remote sensing, including cartography.
- Equipped with skills in spatial data analysis.
- Equipped with skills of how to generate information about the Earth from data acquired from a diverse range of sources.
- Equipped with skills of spatial data entry, storage, retrieval, manipulation and visualization,
- Able to describe a variety of geospatial data types, data sources and metadata management techniques.
- Familiar with use of GIS software / tools by hands-on experiences.
- Equipped with skills of how to create, manipulate and query geospatial data.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, the student should demonstrate capacity to;
- Apply fundamental principles, concepts and terminologies, applications, trends, and pertinent issues of geographic information systems and remote sensing.
- Use GIS technology and spatial analysis in solving geospatial problems.
- Apply GIS in networked environments.
- Generate information about the Earth in GIS using data from different sources,
- Identify, compare and contrast between vector and raster GIS,
- Exhibit proficiency in evaluating the capabilities of various GIS programs,
- Apply skills of GIS as applied in various fields of Fisheries and Water Resources Management.