Developing Web-Applications with JS and Leaflet

Although there are several powerful cloud solutions such as ArcGIS Online and Mapbox, there may be a need to create a web map from scratch. This can be due to limitations of the existing solutions, license costs or the desire for better integration into an existing web page. When this is the case, programming skills are getting very handy and it is often an essential skill set for today’s GIS professional.

12 Jan
January 12, 2026 - April 13, 2026
Developing Web-Applications with JS and Leaflet – Registration
28 Sep
September 28, 2026 - December 28, 2026
Developing Web-Applications with JS and Leaflet – Registration

3 months

English

3 ECTS

The module is free of charge for UNIGIS students working to meet their elective subject requirements. Included are:

  • all related study materials
  • supervision and assessment
  • module accreditation according to the curriculum

ClubUNIGIS members can register at a price of € 210,-. Included are:

  • all related study materials
  • supervision and assessment
  • course certificate upon completion of the module

Upon completion of this module, you know the structure of JavaScript code to write simple scripts from scratch, you understand the basics of the Document Object Model, you can make use of libraries to reuse existing code, you are able to create a basic map with Leaflet, you know how to find errors and debug your code using the web browser developer tools, you understand JSON and GeoJSON, and how to use a REST API and use them with JavaScript.

Core UNIGIS modules 1-3 or equivalent understanding of GIS, data modeling, data structures and data acquisition.

Abstract thinking and a logical mindset is recommended. Learning a programming language is like learning a human language, you need patience and endurance if you want to advance beyond the fundamentals.

Basic HTML knowledge is required. If you don’t have HTML knowledge, you may acquire it through various online resources on-the-fly. However, you must plan for additional time commitment.

This is an exclusively english language module, hence any kind of communication with the module lecturer should be in English. A discussion forum is maintained on Moodle in order to support efficient module instruction. You are requested to submit questions related to this module to this forum only which is checked by the lecturer on a regular basis. He will answer your questions or provide you with pointers for solving your problems. The module is delivered in form of an instructed self-study that is based on an explorative learning process. Theoretical concepts are complemented with practice oriented examples. Upon completion of the module students are requested to evaluate the module, which is a part of our quality assurance.

Administrator privileges may be required to install software.

System requirements for software:

The assessment is based on your completed assignments. They must be submitted in written format to the Dropbox within the required time period. If assignments are submitted late, the lecturer is not obligated to grade them. It will be listed as such on your transcript.

1. Introduction to JavaScript

This lesson introduces you to JavaScript. You will learn the fundamentals of the programming languages.

2. Document Object Model (DOM)

This lesson provides you an overview to the important concept of the Document Object Model.

3. Leaflet

This lesson introduces some geospatial libraries for JavaScript with focus on using the open-source library Leaflet to create webmaps.

4. Debugging

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to do an error analysis and how to debug your code.

5. JSON and GeoJSON

This lesson introduces JSON and GeoJSON.

6. Using an API

In this lesson, you will learn how to request and use data from online web resources and add them to a Leaflet web map.