Learning Goals

Students learn about the importance of geodata and geospatial data in today's society, which is based on diverse and rapidly developing information and communication technologies (ICT). They will be familiar with the various legal foundations that determine the provision and use of geospatial data (and information) and will have an overview of the supply structures (spatial data infrastructure), in particular of the official German surveying system and those in European partner countries. Official practice partners will be involved.

Contents

• Geodata and geospecialized data (definitions, characteristics, delimitations, examples)
• Spatial Data Infrastructure Germany (GDI-DE)
• Relevant legal requirements (laws, directives and regulations)
• cartographic visualization of geo basic data and geo specialized data; map examples
• access to free geodata ("Open Data") of official geodata holding agencies and free mapper communities (especially OpenStreetMap)
• the European aspect in the management and provision of geodata
• example applications, with a focus on OpenData and open source software (e.g. OSGeo tools)
• lectures and exercises by governmental practice partners
• Visits to public authorities (on request)

Teaching methods

Seminar (presentation, teaching talk, discussion, processing of tasks, visits to authorities if necessary).

The teaching of methodological skills through practical exercises (partly using special software) as well as through the joint elaboration of theory-based findings in scientific discourse require the regular attendance of the students at the seminar sessions (with a maximum of 2 absences).

Mode of assessment

Term paper

Additional Information

Conditions for granting credit points

Successful completion of the term paper

Usage of the module
Compulsory module within the M.Sc. program in Geography, specialization in Geomatics; Elective module within the other M.Sc. specializations.

Stellenwert der Note für die Endnote
The module grade is CP-weighted (6/120) and is included in the final M.Sc. grade.