Course introduction
Have you ever wanted to carry out a spatial analysis for research purposes? Or do you intend to do so for your thesis? GIS can be a powerful tool for spatial data analysis as it can link spatial and non-spatial data. Furthermore, visualizing data spatially, for example through maps, can reveal spatial relations which otherwise would not have become apparent. In this course, we will introduce and apply fundamental methods for analyzing data in GIS which will be helpful in answering research questions with a spatial component. These skills will be an added value in social sciences research and will be highly valued in various professions.
This course is different from a GIS course in that it focuses specifically on manipulating and processing data for spatial analysis. Examples are basic geoprocessing tools such as buffer, clip, intersect; query; clustering analysis; or basic modelling.
Course objectives
By the end of the module, all participants will be able to “create a geospatial database for a topic relevant to social sciences research and will be able draw inferences from correctly applied spatial analysis”.
Specifically, participants should be able to:
- Conceptualize and create geospatial databases for a topic relevant to social sciences research.
- Create scientifically appropriate spatial visualizations of data.
- Analyze spatial data using geoprocessing tools and interpret the results.
- Synthesize and compare findings from different analyses.
Course content
GIS for urban research is a hands-on course in which participants apply GIS tools for spatial analysis.
In week 1, video tutorials will introduce you to the topics and show you step by step how to do it yourself. Per tutorial, you will work on and submit an assignment, which will be peer reviewed. Discussion sessions will guide you through these assignments. Optionally, you can join Q&A sessions for further questions. The course starts with an elementary introduction of GIS, followed by a general overview of spatial analysis tools. On the third day, participants can choose from a selection of spatial research problems to work on as their individual assignment. The major portion of the course will be on creating GIS databases and getting basic skills in geoprocessing data.
You will also already start working on the graded individual assignment in the first week. You should submit your research problem idea(s) on Tuesday. These will be discussed individually on Wednesday. In the second week, you will focus mostly on the individual assignment. If and when necessary, you can sign up for individual consultations to discuss your assignment.
On Wednesday of the first week and Tuesday of the second week, we will present case studies of how GIS can be used in different settings to answer an urban research question. A selection of participants will also present their findings of the individual assignment on Friday.
Course information
Programme | Urban Management and Development |
Period | Block 2 |
ECTs | 3 |
Coordinator(s) | Somesh Sharma, Els Keunen |
Language | English |
Methodology | Lecture and video lecture inputs, hands-on workshops, individual consultations, individual problem solving, peer support |
Assessment | Individual assignment worked on throughout the course to be handed in at the end of the course |