Course detail

Geographical Information Systems

FIT-GISAcad. year: 2025/2026

Students will learn the basic principles of GIS systems (Geographic Information System), the problems of storing and processing information about objects defined by their geographic coordinates and the generating of user specified electronic maps. Moreover, the course is oriented also to basics of topology and computer modelling, which will be employed in design of a particular GIS database structure. Rather large chapter of GISes is the modelling of geoobjects into a vector and raster form. Doing various surveys is another important aspect of GISes. Student will use there their knowledge of current position measurement and navigation.  In the second part of the course, the lectures will bring some notes about analysis and processing of the stored data. Students will explore two well known GIS systems ArcView and Grass in the practical computer exercises and will have some opportunity to do experiments with them.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Intelligent Systems (UITS)

Entry knowledge

Basics of modelling and simulation of systems. Database systems. Information systems.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Mid-term test and an individual project.
Mid-term exam (incl. test if it is declared), laboratory practice supported by a project and final exam are the monitored, and points earning, education.
Mid-term exam and laboratory practice (supported by the project) are without alternative. Final exam has two additional alternatives.The minimal number of points which can be obtained from the final exam is 25. Otherwise,
no points will be assigned to a student.

Aims

The goal of the course is to teach students the principles of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and to prepare them for the practical work with GIS systems which means their design, implementation, doing geographical surveys, analyzing GIS databases and their applications in industry, research and commerce.

Students will learn the theoretical basis of GIS systems, their connection to WWW, data bases and display systems. The students will also learn to operate the ArcView and Grass system.
Students will enter very specific area of information systems which is connected to description of our planet, natural sciences and introducing the information society into practice.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Not applicable.

Recommended reading

Korte, G.B.: The GIS Book (páté vydání), OnWord Press, 2001, Kanada
Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D. J., Rhind, D.R.: Geographic Information Systems and Science, ESRI Press, 2001, USA
Monmonier, M.: Proč mapy lžou, Computer Press, 2002
Peters, D.: Building a GIS: System Architecture Design Strategies for Managers, ESRI Press, 2012
Tuček, J.: Geografické informační systémy, Computer Press, 1998

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MITAI Master's

    specialization NSEC , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NNET , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NMAL , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NCPS , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NHPC , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NVER , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NIDE , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NISY , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NEMB , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NSPE , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NEMB , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NBIO , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NSEN , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NVIZ , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NGRI , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NADE , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NISD , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization NMAT , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to GIS systems. Basics of geography.
  • Structure and functions of GIS.
  • Modelling of geographical objects.
  • Representation of spatial objects in GIS databases.
  • Database support for making the GIS systems.
  • Activities in a typical GIS project.
  • Doing geographical surveys.
  • Processing and visualization of geographical data.
  • GIS products ArcView and Grass.
  • User specified maps creating.
  • Technical equipment for GIS support. Maintenance of GIS software systems.
  • Navigation in terrain using the GIS equipment.
  • Application of GIS in industry, administration and natural sciences.

Exercise in computer lab

10 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Implementation of a simple GIS database.
  • Operating the ArcView GIS program.
  • Operating the Grass GIS program.
  • Generating electronic maps from GIS databases.

Project

16 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Individually assigned project for the whole duration of the course - project will bring students into a design of their own small GIS system, doing surveys and analysis.