Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sig-2
Coursera’s “Systèmes d’Information Géographique – Partie 2” (Geographic Information Systems – Part 2) is an exceptional follow-up to its foundational predecessor, offering a practical and insightful exploration into the core concepts of GIS. Even if you’re new to the world of GIS or have limited prior IT knowledge, this course is designed to be accessible, allowing you to quickly grasp the essentials of creating spatial databases and crafting informative geographic maps.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, taking learners through crucial aspects of spatial data. We begin with an exploration of **Discontinuous Spatial Phenomena**, understanding how to model geographic space using objects and their associated geometric, thematic, and spatial properties. This section delves into how indices describing shape, size, spatial distribution, and dependency help characterize a landscape.
Next, the course tackles **Continuous Spatial Phenomena**. Here, we learn about phenomena defined across all points in geographic space, where properties vary gradually. Examples like altitude and soil moisture are used to illustrate concepts like sampling methods, deterministic interpolation functions, and the more advanced techniques of geostatistics, including regionalized variables, variography, and kriging.
A significant portion is dedicated to **Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)**. Recognizing the critical role of topography in understanding Earth’s surface and human activities, this module covers the history of altitude data acquisition and the algorithms used to derive descriptive relief indicators.
The course then moves into the powerful realm of **Interactions Between Data Layers**. This section emphasizes spatial overlay, a fundamental GIS function that allows data transfer between different types of layers (raster or vector) based on their spatial relationships. It highlights how GIS’s ability to combine diverse information sources is its unique strength.
**Graphic Semiology and Thematic Cartography** is another key area. Learners are guided on how to represent geographic information effectively, adhering to thematic cartography principles. This includes mastering the use of color, legends, scales, and sources to ensure clear and impactful map communication using tools like QGIS’s print composer.
Finally, the course touches upon **Other Forms of Representation**, introducing dynamic and interactive web mapping, 3D representations, and the exciting integration of augmented reality with GIS.
Overall, “Systèmes d’Information Géographique – Partie 2” is a highly recommended course for anyone looking to build a solid understanding of GIS. Its practical approach, clear explanations, and comprehensive syllabus make it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals alike who want to leverage the power of spatial analysis and visualization.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sig-2