Knowledge and skills for using remote sensing products as a source of geodata on current and historical landscape conditions for geographical spatial analyses.

In this seminar, students learn about the possibilities and specifics of evaluating aerial and satellite images. The acquisition of image data is discussed as well as procedures and techniques for their systematic GIS-based evaluation.

    The following topics are covered:

    Three-dimensional aerial image evaluation

    Stereo vision

    Stereo techniques

    Image processing

Electromagnetic spectrum

    Main spectral ranges

    Radiation processes in the atmosphere

    Reflection behaviour

Imaging systems

Methods of systematic image interpretation

    Digitising in the 3D model

    False colour composites

    Land use mapping

    Evaluation key

    Multispectral analysis

    Image classification

(image measurement/photogrammetry)

    Central perspective

    Single image method

    Stereo image measurement

Weekly meetings with

    Presentations

    Exercises

    Tasks

Based on the basics from the GIS exercises, students learn how to work with raster data and how to use advanced analysis tools in ArcGIS (especially Spatial Analyst) in this practical software seminar. The focus is on the development of automated processes for processing and interpreting geographical issues. Another fundamental component in this context is the understanding of technical processes and their results.

• Conducting spatial investigations on the basis of raster and vector data
• Site assessments based on suitability analyses
• Route planning with the aid of cost-distance analyses
• Hydrological studies (determination of catchment areas and watersheds)
• Generation of data through interpolation (Natural Neighbor, Spline, IDW)
• Automation of processes with the ArcGIS Model Builder and possibly Python
• Further content possible depending on the course

Will be announced in the seminar.

The focus of the course is on teaching the theoretical basics of thematic cartography. With the help of the module, the students should become familiar with the projection basics, drawing-theoretical prerequisites and typical construction processes of modern cartography through small exercise units. This should lay the foundations for the independent generation of thematic cartographic forms of presentation. An elaboration of cartography software accompanied by exercises introduces the practical creation of maps.

Aims of thematic cartography

- Construction of network designs

- Cartographic representation methods (basic models); modelling in cartography

- Thematic cartographic visualisations

- Process of map construction

- Introduction to cartographic software

- Project work

The course covers three phases:

a) Cartographic basics - projection theory

b) Thematic cartographic basics,

c) Introduction to cartography software

Dickmann, F. (2021): Kartographie Geographisches Seminar, Braunschweig
Hake, G. / Grünreich, D. / Meng, L.: Cartography, Berlin 2002

further literature will be announced in the course

At the end of the seminar, students should

• be able to recognize the spatial dimension in business planning and decisions,
• know and be able to apply basic geomarketing concepts,
• be able to use geoinformation systems appropriately in order to consistently include the spatial dimension in business planning and decisions,
• be familiar with sources of spatially differentiated market data for a wide range of sectors and be able to use such data appropriately in corresponding analyses,
• be able to use the geomarketing software easymap, which is widely used in the industry

“Geomarketing refers to the planning, coordination and control of customer-oriented market activities of companies using geographic information systems. Methods are used that establish, analyse and visualize the spatial reference of the internal and external company data examined and process it into decision-relevant information.”
[from: Schüssler, F.: Geomarketing - Anwendungen Geographischer Informationssysteme im Einzelhandel; Marburg 2000]

...or in short: “Geomarketing means optimization of marketing and sales through the use of geoinformation systems.”
[from: Tappert, W.: Geomarketing in practice; (Wichmann) Berlin/Offenbach 2021]

In a large number of business plans and decisions - especially, but not only, in marketing and sales - spatial reference plays a central role. Locations, accessibility, sales areas and many other geographical conditions and spatial structures must be taken into account when strategic decisions have to be made. 

Contents of the seminar are

• Definitions
• Structure of a geomarketing system compared to a GIS
• Typical spatial references and typical map bases in geomarketing
• Geocoding and spatial referencing
• Spatially differentiated market data (sources, content, informative value, costs)
• Thematic maps and interactive maps in geomarketing
• Detailed introduction to the use of easymap geomarketing software
• Hands-on practical examples on the following topics, among others:

1. Location analysis using the example of the cinema landscape in Germany
2. Coverage analysis as a basis for planning the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
3. Distribution analysis for advertising media and media planning
4. Planning and optimization of working areas for the sales force and route planning
5. Spatial structures of electricity and gas supply in Germany and their significance for the marketing of electricity and natural gas

Definitions and basics, geomarketing concepts and methods, independent processing of data sets from geomarketing practice, numerous hands-on practical examples (the easymap software is provided free of charge).

• Herter, Michael / Mühlbauer, Karl-Heinz (Hrsg.): Handbuch Geomarketing; (Wichmann) Berlin/Offenbach 2018
• Schüssler, F.: Geomarketing – Anwendungen Geographischer Informationssysteme im Einzelhandel; Marburg 2000
• Tappert, W.: Geomarketing in der Praxis; (Wichmann) Berlin/Offenbach 2021

In many geographical professions, working with geodata is not limited to the use of geoinformation systems in the office. Numerous fields of work - for example in agriculture, biotope and nature conservation, cadastral administration or infrastructure management - also involve work in the field, the success of which depends on the precise collection of up-to-date field data. At the same time, on-site access to existing data is often crucial.

Due to the increasing availability of (free) geodata and the rapid technical progress in hardware and software, there are now possible solutions for practically every application that allow efficient networking of office and field work in real time.

The aim of the seminar is to provide a first introduction to the world of mobile GIS and to give an overview of the basic possibilities. Various aspects of the use, collection or distribution of geodata for field work are to be examined by the students in the form of a presentation and finally tested on the basis of their own exemplary field work.

Overview of a selection of relevant basics and software solutions for the mobile handling of geodata, e.g....

    Free geodata: Open Street Map

    Free geodata: Official geodata

    Satellite positioning (GNSS)

    Cloud and server technologies for geodata - Linking indoor and outdoor areas

    Project planning for field work (e.g. campaign planning, routing)

    Software solutions for mobile geodata collection (e.g. ArcGIS Collector, M.Apps. QField)

    Web apps for mobile geodata collection (e.g. OpenLayers, Leaflet, Mapbender)

    User Generated Content / Volunteered Geographic Information

    Conception and implementation of an exemplary field work using the techniques learned.

Further contents are possible depending on the course.

- Promoting the competent use of modern geodata resources (geodata literacy).

- Expanding knowledge of current developments in geodata and geodata infrastructures (especially EU, federal government, federal states, municipalities, OpenStreetMap)

- Familiarisation with and application of basic concepts of advanced geodata analysis with Geographic Information Systems (Open Source GIS: QGIS)

- Learn and apply basic concepts for the cartographic presentation of geodata.

The increasing availability of open geodata poses the challenge to geographers to critically evaluate corresponding geodata resources (geodata literacy) in order to research suitable (input) data to answer analytical questions. These data can be processed with a variety of analysis and visualisation tools in different geographic information systems and other web cartographic applications. This course focuses on the development of geodata literacy skills and the application of suitable and advanced analysis and visualisation tools. Open geodata and open source processing applications form the methodological basis.

Block seminar, with building content

Will be announced during the seminar.