Prerequisite Modules
Description
This course focuses on the use of
database management systems (DBMS) to store spatial information. A
Geographical Information System is a computer system designed to
facilitate the collection, management, and analysis of large volumes
of geographical knowledge. A spatially enabled DBMS is a central
component of a Geographical Information System (GIS). GIS has a major
role to play in managing the national physical and informational
infrastructure. The understanding of advanced spatially enabled DBMS
is vital in implementing any information system where geographic data
is required. This course focuses on the role of the DBMS in
geographical applications.
Aims
The aim of this module is to
familiarise students with the features of a spatially enabled database
systems and to develop applications that use the spatial database
extensions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this
module, the student will be able to:
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use a database to store and query
spatial data
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develop applications that use a
spatially enabled DBMS
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distinguish and use appropriate
database models
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apply the various query languages
appropriate to spatial querying.
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understand the extensions required
by application programs to handle spatial data.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures, self-study, labs,
tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study,
problem-solving exercises, readings, seminars, and computer-based
learning.
Content
Foundations:
Fundamental geographic concepts for GIS The world in spatial terms,
how natural and man made features can be stored in a DBMS.
Qualitative and quantitative location e.g. coordinate systems and
geo-referencing. Maps as representation of the world and of
information. Geometric and thematic information.
Algorithms for GIS:
Intersection of lines, operations on polygons, network traversal,
auto-correlation, statistical operations, searching.
Spatial representations:
Raster, vector, TIN, quadtrees, R-trees, scan orders, polygon
coverage, discrete objects, networks, time, connections and topology,
networks, distance and direction, flow and diffusion, spatial
hierarchies, boundaries, spatial patterns, attributes of
relationships.
Applications of geospatial data:
Transportation networks, natural resources, soil data, oceanography,
land cover, geology, climate, terrain, land records, administrative
boundary data, demographic studies, and health data Spatial databases
Spatial data:
definitions, formats, models, queries the relational model, advanced
SQL, data modelling techniques, implementing a simple database, post
relational database models, object-relational and object-oriented
models, spatial data structures, spatial indexing e.g. R-Tree,
networking, database issues in GIS. The course will involve
considerable practical work on a range of appropriate software e.g.
Oracle, PostgreSQL, GML, Java.
Assessment
The methods of assessment to be
used to measure the learning objectives stated above are written
examination and continuous assessment including one or more of
assignment, essay, problem-solving exercise, oral presentation, and
class or lab tests.
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Continuous Assessment: 30%
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Examination: 70%
Recommended
Reading
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Spatial databases - with
applications to GIS, P. Rigaux, M. Scholl, A. Voisard, Morgan
Kaufmann Publishers, 2002
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Spatial databases - A tour, S.
Shekhar and S. Chawla, ISBN 013-017480-7, Prentice Hall, 2003
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Pro Oracle Spatial By Ravikanth V.
Kothuri, Albert Godfrind, Euro Beinat, ISBN: 1-59059-383-9
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GIS a computing perspective:
Michael Worboys and Mat Duckham CRC press, ISBN 0415283752
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ISO Standards for Geographic
Information: Wolfgang Kresse Kian Fadaie, Springer, ISBN 3540201300.
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GML: Geographic Markup Language
Foundations for the Geo-Web, Ron Lake, ISBN 0470871547, Wiley, 2004
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Geographic Information Systems and
Science, P. Longley, D.J. Maguire, M.F. Goodchild, D.W. Rhind
(Eds.), 2002
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International Journal of
Geographical Information Science, Taylor & Francis.
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National Center for Geographic
Information & Analysis (NCGIA) -
www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/
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The Open Geospatial Consortium,
Inc. (OGC) -
http://www.opengeospatial.org/
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ESRI a leading GIS software vendor
- http://www.esri.com/
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For more information contact
Ciarán O'Leary
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