GIS (BIT435CO)
Geographic Information Systems — spatial/attribute data, raster vs vector structures, map projections (UTM), spatial querying, and Nepal GIS applications.
Unit 1: Basic Concepts & Components of GIS4 hrs
- Definition and components of GIS (Hardware, Software, Data, People, Methods)
- Functionality of GIS
- Areas of GIS application
- Advantages and limitations of GIS
Unit 2: GIS Data & Database8 hrs
- Spatial and attribute data concepts
- Spatial data handling
- Data representations: points, lines, polygons
- Information organization and data structures: Raster and Vector data structures, Tessellations
- File organization and formats
- Geo-database concepts and GIS software packages
Unit 3: GIS Data Input6 hrs
- Nature and source of spatial data
- Methods of spatial data capture: Primary and Secondary sources
- Digitization and scanning methods, techniques and procedures for digitizing, errors of digitization
- Attribute data capture
- GPS and Remote Sensing integration for data collection
Unit 4: GIS Mapping and Map Projections8 hrs
- Defining maps, categories of maps, map contents and map scales
- Georeferencing principles and coordinate systems
- Projection systems: types and aspects (cylindrical, conical, azimuthal)
- Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system
Unit 5: Data Editing in GIS4 hrs
- Detecting and correcting topological errors
- Re-projection, coordinate transformation, and map generalization
- Edge matching and rubber sheeting
- Conversion from other digital sources and CAD formats
Unit 6: Spatial Analysis7 hrs
- Types of spatial analysis and measurements in GIS
- Query by attributes and spatial queries (point-in-polygon, line-in-polygon)
- Attribute-based operations
- Neighborhood analysis and buffering
- Connectivity analysis and network routing
- Overlay operations (union, intersect, identity) and coverage rebuilding
Unit 7: Data Sharing and Spatial Data Infrastructure6 hrs
- Concept of Geospatial Infrastructure
- Components of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI): Standards, Metadata, Data Sharing Clearinghouse
- National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) frameworks
Unit 8: GIS in Nepal2 hrs
- Present situation of GIS in Nepal
- Major GIS activities and national geospatial initiatives
- Prospects and challenges of GIS implementation in Nepal
Reference books
- Burrough, P. A. and R. A. McDonnell, Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford University Press.
- Star, J. and J. Estes, Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction, Prentice Hall.
- Chang, Kang-Tsung, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Tata McGraw-Hill.
- Lo, C. P. and Albert K. W. Yeung, Concepts and Techniques of Geographic Information Systems, Prentice Hall of India.
- Heywood, Ian, Sarah Cornelius, Steve Carver, and Srinivasa Raju, An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Pearson Education.
- Bhatta, Basudeb, Remote Sensing and GIS, Oxford University Press.
- Lee, J. and D. W. S. Wong, Statistical Analysis with ArcView GIS, John Wiley & Sons.