Geospatial Data Structures, Programming and Analysis
Geospatiala datastrukturer, programmering och analys

EXTG80, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED L
Date of Decision: 2025-04-11
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: C4-adv, D4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to achieve knowledge of concepts and methods in

management and analysis of geospatial data. The course also aims at giving skills in programming with geospatial data, and an insight into algorithms and principles of visualisation relevant to geographic information technology.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be familiar with different conceptual models for spatial phenomena,
• be able to thoroughly describe how geospatial data are structured in two and three dimensions, and how they can be used in application development,
• be able to describe the implication of different map projections,
• be able to explain basic methods for spatial analysis,
• be able to describe cartographic aspects on visualisation of geospatial data,
• be able to thoroughly describe how standard software for analysis of geospatial data are constructed and what type of typical functionality they have, and
• be familiar with the most common data sources and how these can, and should, be used.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to use a geographic information system as a tool for geographical analysis,
• be able to APIs and program libraries in order to develop programs which utilizes geospatial data,
• be able to cartographically and graphically present geospatial data for specialists and lay persons,
• independently develop an application based on geospatial data.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to critically assess geospatial data and have achieved a critical attitude towards analysis results,
• have the ability to evaluate the relevance of the specific structures and properties of geospatial data and analysis in relation to other digital data and techniques,
• show awareness of the technical and legal opportunities and limitations with applications of geospatial data.

Contents

The course consists of two parts, where the first gives the basics of geospatial data and geographic analysis, while the second focuses on program development specific to geospatial data. This part treats algorithms and data structures, as well as how these are implemented in program libraries and APIs. Lectures cover the basic theory of spatial phenomena and their representation as geospatial data, where the representation and analysis of spatial elements are emphasized. The course contains practical exercises (LTH terminology = labs) using common standard GIS software. Through an independent development of an application based on geospatial data the student will utilize the new knowledge in relation to his/her specific education program specialisation.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The course grade is based on the result of a written examination test at the

end of the course and on an independent assignment. In order to pass the course the student is also required to complete compulsory exercises and other assignments. Students who fail the ordinary test will have an opportunity to take another test at the end of August every year.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the

regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a

form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0124. Name: Theoretical Bases.
Credits: 5.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Result constitute the total course grade The module includes: Written examination which covers knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases expressed in the learning outcomes of the course. The examination also assess the student's ability to relate the theoretical bases for geodata to programming implementations.
Code: 0224. Name: Practical Skills.
Credits: 2.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Passed compulsory practical exercises, assignments and application task. The module includes: Practical exercises and independent application task.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• EDAA45 Introduction to Programming or EDAA55 Programming, First Course

Reading list

• Harrie, L (red.): Geografisk informationsbehandling : teori, metoder och tillämpningar. Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2020, ISBN: 9789144131740. Course literature for Swedish speaking students.
  https://www.studentlitteratur.se/kurslitteratur/naturvetenskap-och-miljo/geovetenskap/geografisk-informationsbehandling
• Kang-tsung Chang: Introduction to geographic information systems. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2018, ISBN: 9781260092585. Course literature English speaking students. Earlier versions are OK.
• Dept. of physical geography and ecosystem science: Dept. of physical geography and ecosystem science: Exercise instructions. 2025. Course literature for all students. Accessible online via the learning platform.

Contact

Course coordinator: Karin Larsson, karin.larsson@nateko.lu.se
Examinator: Lars Harrie, lars.harrie@nateko.lu.se
Course administrator: Karin Larsson, karin.larsson@nateko.lu.se