Application-oriented GIS program for practicioners

UNIGIS professional provides application-oriented knowledge of Geoinformatics to develop innovative solutions based on relevant concepts and methods. Graduates will be awarded an “Academic Certificate in Geographical Information Systems” by the University of Salzburg.

The study is compliant with the level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework.

Target group

Persons aspiring to acquire methodological and application-specific or technology-oriented knowledge, expertise and skills in Geoinformatics. This University distance learning program is suitable for those already engaged in GIS related jobs and/or those who have some background in a spatial discipline.
 

Qualification

Academic Certificate in Geographical Information Systems

Starting dates

Twice a year (March, 1 and October, 1)

Duration

1+ years. Average weekly workload 12-15 hrs (depending on prior knowledge). An extension of up to 18 months study duration is free of charge

Tuition fee

Study program’s tuition fee amounts to € 7,300 payable in a single instalment.

Alternatively, the tuition fee may be split into 3 instalments: 1st instalment of € 2,600 and 2nd – 3rd equal instalments of € 2,500.

Additional fees are due for credit card payment.

Study Content

The study program “UNIGIS professional” is based on modular structure consisting of:

  • 7 core modules (6 ECTS per module)
  • Elective Subjects (18 ECTS), and
  • an introductory online workshop

The program amounts to 60 ECTS credits.

Curriculum overview

This introductory module has a special position, being the first study component of the curriculum. It provides orientation and sets the frame for working with the subsequent modules. Specifically, it supports the students in getting familiar with the distance-learning materials and environment, which are used in subsequent modules. In addition to these objectives regarding the study format, the following domain-related contents are offered:

  • Terminology and functional characteristics of geographic information systems
  • Typical applications of geographic information processing
  • Current trends in Geoinformatics
  • Overview of secondary information resources for GIS in terms of life-long learning
  • Practical training to use professional GIS software
  • Competent use of coordinate systems and projections in the practical work of GIS

This module provides a profound overview of common data structures and data models in GIS. It explores how the real world around us can be displayed (application- and goal-oriented) in all its complexity with data models and data structures. Specific module contents include:

  • Basics of a formal description of spatial phenomena and relationships
  • Modelling spatial information
  • Spatial models – data models – data structures
  • Vector model
  • Grid models (raster)
  • Representation of continuous space
  • Object-oriented data models
  • Interoperability, OGC and standardisation
  • WMS, WFS, WCS and OGC-CS
  • Standards (GML) and quasi-standards (GeoJSON) for structuring and communication of spatial data
  • Complementary training in another professional GI software

The third module applies to the practical aspects of the ‘population’ of spatial data structures with real-world information. It provides an overview of primary and secondary acquisition methods with the goal of gaining insight into the genesis and the suitability of spatial data for specific use cases. A substantial part is the access and the report of important digital resources as well as the valorisation of geo-information by a standard-compliant documentation. Specific module contents include:

  • Identification of required data bases from the application and user perspective
  • Data quality and cost
  • Surveying
  • Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
  • Photogrammetry
  • LiDAR
  • Optical sensors and radar
  • Remote sensing platforms (satellite, aircraft, UAV)
  • Digitising, scanning, vectorising
  • Data with indirect location reference, geocoding of address data
  • Data transfer: norms and standards, transformation formats
  • Metadata, metadata standards
  • National and global sources of geodata, open government data
  • Geodata infrastructure, data catalogues, INSPIRE
  • Legal and ethical aspects, copyright and open licenses of geodata

In this module, the conceptual foundations of conventional database systems are introduced by working on hands-on examples. On this basis, the knowledge is transferred to spatial data management and geodatabase systems. Specific module contents include:

  • Architecture of database management systems
  • Database design and documentation
  • Relational data modelling
  • Normalisation
  • Solid basics of SQL query language as a universal language for data definition, data control and data management
  • Practical work with a SQL front end
  • Glossary of terms and specifications of GeoDBMS
  • Spatial models in DBMS
  • Spatial SQL operations according to OGC
  • Spatial Indexing

This module introduces to software engineering and scripting of geospatial applications. It covers an overview to programming languages and their paradigms in general, an introduction to Python in particular, and the supporting frameworks for the development of applications such as IDE and Git. Specific module content includes:

  • Concepts and paradigms of programming
  • Overview of programming languages and their typical areas of application
  • Introduction to the Python scripting language
  • Code development in Visual Studio Code
  • Introduction to the version control system Git for distributed code development
  • Software documentation with the Markdown markup language
  • Using the interactive Jupyter Notebook web application to create and share code
  • Introduction to UML, Patterns, Refactoring, Testing, and Software Architecture

Spatial analysis methods are a central feature of geographic information systems. This core area within Geoinformatics aims at translating domain problems, based on conceptual problem structuring, towards analytical methods and tools. This module introduces the fundamental methods and techniques of geographical analysis. Specific module contents include:

  • Graphic modelling as a practical methodology for design and documentation of analysis processes
  • Map algebra as an ordering scheme, appropriate operators
  • Spatial selection and aggregation, regionalisation
  • Aggregate data, MAUP and ecological fallacy
  • Distance scales and distance metrics, applications of distance-based methods
  • Cost surfaces in surface transport and dispersion analyses
  • Spatial interpolation (deterministic, geostatistical)
  • Multi-thematic integration (intersection, assessment, multi-criteria method)
  • Route optimisation and allocation in networks
  • Terrain analysis (slope, exposure, radiation, visibility, hydrological run-off)

Knowledge on the visual communication of spatial information is essential since nearly every GI professional actively designs maps at some point. This module aims at professionals from different domains to take advantage of cartographic data processing approaches for their respective tasks. Specific module contents related to conventional as well as digital forms of publication (web-mapping, mobile-mapping) include:

  • Cartographic application fields and paradigms
  • Cartographic design process
  • Generalisation and classification
  • Perception of forms and visual variables
  • Colour models and colour use (including consideration of colour vision deficiency)
  • Development of map symbols and interaction
  • Map annotation and text
  • Thematic maps, diagrams and diagram maps
  • Map design and layout
  • Digital devices and output formats
  • 2.5D/3D visualisation
  • Web-mapping technologies and APIs
  • Dynamic visualisation

Electives advance and/or complement skills and knowledge acquired on UNIGIS core modules for specialised topics. A total of 18 ECTS are to be selected for Electives.

There are various ways to cover the Electives. Most importantly, UNIGIS offers a variety of optional modules that cover a broad range of conceptual and application-oriented topics in Geoinformatics. However, students can get credits for a range of other courses and achievments, including documented project work, successful participation in a Summer School, scientific publications, etc.

For further details refer to the Curriculum for the degree study program “Geographical Information Systems (UNIGIS professional)”. The legally binding document released in German language can be accessed here.

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Information about the study program offered in German.

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Study Guide

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Admission Requirements & Application

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