Overview of available modules

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The GITTA teaching material on the website is continuously updated from the CVS repository and corresponds to the latest version. This means that content may change at any time if it is updated. If you need stable content, e.g. to teach classes, you are strongly advised to download the module(s) as SCORM / IMS package and import it into a learning environment such as Moodle or OLAT. Please contact the GITTA coordinator if you need an older version.

GI-Systems Module

The module offers a basic introduction to Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST), and provides information about existing commercial products and their areas of application. The module is also intended to explain the most commonly followed software architectures of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their impact on system usage.

Basic Level (in English)

Intermediate Level (in English)

Database Management and Systems Module

The Database System module incorporates the concepts and architectures associated with databases. First, specific terms are discussed, then the characteristics of such a database approach are compared with other systems. After an overview of database architectures, data models and the Structured Query Language (SQL) are introduced. Exercises and self-tests help to augment the theory.

Basic Level (in German and partially English):

Data Capture Module

The Data Capture module introduces students to sources of geographic data and to the broad process of digital capture and data preprocessing. It focuses on selected capture procedures in order to detail strategies and methodologies for the production of relevant geographic information. This module is structured into 4 lessons, with the following content: Overview of sources, Primary sources, Derived sources, and Metadata and quality. Each lesson comprises exercises and a self-test.

Basic Level (in English):

Spatial Modeling Module

This module presents the main concepts - projections, location, and topology - that drive the modeling of the Geographic Space (GS). It gives an overview of GS modeling processes, using regularly and irregularly distributed observation units (raster and object models). The properties of spatial information are then analyzed from the point of view of its measurement scale and origin (measured, derived, or interpreted). Finally, the process of digitization is presented.

Basic Level (in French):

Spatial Analysis Module

The main goal of the module is to contribute the technical knowledge required for informed development of GIS applications. Therefore, the key concepts and techniques of spatial analysis are presented at a basic and intermediate level. lessons include fundamentals and techniques for dealing with continuous and discrete spatial variables, spatial queries, terrain analysis, suitability analysis, accessibility analysis, and uncertainty handling. There is a close relationship with the Spatial Modeling module.

Basic Level (in German and partially English):

Intermediate Level (in English):

Data Presentation Module

The Data Presentation module describes the history and use of maps, while introducing the different map types available. Its emphasis is on topographical cartography and the components required for map development, including graphical design with text and color by reference to readability rules. A further focus concentrates on cartographic generalization concepts, procedures, and methods. Within the intermediate lessons, thematic map design as well as mapping with a GIS and cartographic software are discussed.

Basic Level (in English):

Intermediate Level (in English):

Case Studies

Students, confronted with realistic and practice-relevant GIST cases, must then solve such a case independently. Original, not preprocessed, case material is provided and a tutor is helping the students to find solutions for solving the case.

Deutsche Version:

Version Française:

English Version:

Overview of available CartouCHe modules

Since August 2008, content of the CartouCHe project is available as well. CartouCHe (Cartography for Swiss Higher Education) is an eLearning project funded by Swiss Virtual Campus, imparting knowledge about the multimedia and internet cartography to advanced students. The modules "Multimedia Cartography" and "Location Based Services" are public:

Multimedia Cartography Module (in English):

Location Based Services Module (in English):

Please note that we are looking for partners who are interested in using, updating, translating and cooperating with us. Please read the paragraph about becoming a full GITTA community member on the register page.