Communication and information techniques 1900-3-TKI-GSW

Classes take the form of a computer lab-based seminar. During the first class, the instructor may, at students’ request, review the principles of GIS software operation as well as the fundamentals of cartography and geoinformatics that are relevant for subsequent classes.

In later sessions, students complete exercises related to data visualization, spatial analysis, and spatial statistics (e.g., spatial autocorrelation). They also become familiar with measures describing the spatial distribution of phenomena (such as the center of gravity and standard deviation ellipse, among others). Prior to each exercise, the instructor provides a theoretical introduction and explains the key assumptions of the task.

The exercises gradually increase in difficulty and are designed to require progressively greater student independence. Initially, tasks are provided with detailed step-by-step instructions. Later, the task descriptions become increasingly concise, eventually being reduced to a general description of the expected outcome.

The topics of the assignments are diverse, covering environmental, social, and economic issues, and are most often problem-oriented in nature. Activities supported by artificial intelligence tools are also included.

Exercises are typically carried out in pairs (depending on group size), and each task is usually spread over two class sessions. The total number of assignments varies depending on students’ computer skills and work pace, but is most often 4–6.

At the end of each class, student pairs submit their work progress and results via a dedicated platform. If necessary, assignments may be completed at home.

At the students’ request, it is possible to partially modify the course schedule – selected classes may be devoted to analytical issues related to the preparation of the master’s thesis.

The estimated number of hours a student must dedicate to achieving the learning outcomes defined for the course is as follows:
1 ECTS (30 hours) – direct contact hours with the instructor, including lecture material and completion of paired exercises;
1 ECTS (25 hours) – completion of exercises started during classes.

Main fields of studies for MISMaP

spatial development
geography

Course coordinators

Maciej Kałaska

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites

Fieldwork Methods and Techniques
Statistical Methods in Geography of the World

Prerequisites (description)

The student should be familiar with basic functions of statistical software (e.g. SPSS), GIS software (e.g. QGIS), and spreadsheet tools (e.g. Excel), as well as the fundamentals of cartography and geoinformatics (elements of a statistical map, cartographic projections, quantitative and qualitative generalization of map content, types of base maps, elements of spatial analysis, and methods of cartographic data presentation). The student is also able to manage GIS data and prepare it for map production. They are also willing to further develop their IT and geoinformatics skills and knowledge necessary for research in the field of world geography.

Learning outcomes

Directional effects: K_W08, K_W12, K_W14, K_U01, K_U07, K_U09, K_K04, K_K08
Specialization effects: S2_W06, S2_W12, S2_W14, S2_U01, S2_U07, S2_U09, S2_K04, S2_K08

KNOWLEDGE: The graduate understands and knows:
- domestic and foreign spatial databases;
- the process of creating thematic maps with the use of GIS in the study of world geography;
- rules for conducting spatial analyzes and statistics.

SKILLS: The graduate is able to:
- use the available spatial databases (domestic and foreign), and, if necessary, collect the necessary data for the study of world geography;
- process spatial data;
- select and apply an appropriate method of spatial analyzes and statistics needed to achieve the indicated research goals;
- design thematic maps and use them to communicate the results of their own research (field and chamber).

SOCIAL COMPETENCES: The graduate is ready to:
- independent and group analytical and synthetic work with the use of modern geoinformatics and communication techniques in the study of world geography.

Assessment criteria

Two unexcused absences are permitted. In the case of a higher number of absences, appropriate justification is required.

The final grade is based on:

* 70% – the total number of points obtained from 4–6 exercises completed during classes (in some cases, students may be required to finish the exercises at home). Late submissions result in a deduction of 1 point for each additional week of delay;
* 30% – class participation and independent work. The instructor reserves the right to deduct points for lateness exceeding 5 minutes.

A minimum of 50% of the total possible points is required to pass the course.

Bibliography

1. Medyńska-Gulij B., 2011, Kartografia i geowizualizacja, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa.
2. Pieniążek M., Zych M., 2017, Mapy statystyczne. opracowanie i prezentacja danych, Główny Urząd Statystyczny, Warszawa.
3. Suchecka J., 2014, Statystyka przestrzenna. Metody analizy struktur przestrzennych, Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.
4. Żyszkowska W., Spallek W., Borowicz D., 2012, Kartografia tematyczna, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa.