Program Overview

Course Overview

Course Description

The course "GIS as a Planning Tool" (AAR4841) provides knowledge about geographical information systems (GIS) as important tools for physical planning. It introduces students to GIS applications such as ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, or QGIS.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Second degree level
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim

Course Content

Learning Outcome

The course aims to provide students with knowledge about the functionality and operation of geographic information systems (GIS), including basic geographical data and reference systems, cartography, and cartographic methods relevant to physical planning. Students will also learn about data structures, data models, and geographic/spatial analysis techniques used for examination and presentation of plan bases, plan presentations, and impact analyses.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures and concentrated training workshops.

Evaluation and Assessment

Examination Arrangement

The examination consists of a written examination and work, each weighing 50% of the final grade. Both the exercise and the written exam must be passed to pass the course.

Re-sit Examination

A re-sit examination is available in the next exam period. When exercises have been passed, the grading will be valid for 1.5 years and might be included for a re-scheduled exam.

Requirements and Recommendations

Recommended Previous Knowledge

It is recommended that candidates are familiar with Microsoft Excel, file and folder administration in Windows, and with WinZip, 7zip, or similar software to "zip" files and folders.

Required Previous Knowledge

A minimum Bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required.

Course Materials

A textbook will be announced before the term, and an exercise compendium will be distributed. It is advised, but not required, to use a private PC for exercises, with recommended specifications including:

• Processor: Intel minimum i5, preferably i7 or Xeon, or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9
• 64-bit operating system (Windows 10)
• At least 8 GB RAM, preferably 16 GB
• Storage capacity HD or SSD min. 500 GB
• Dedicated video card of at least 4 GB, Nvidia or AMD

Students without a PC meeting these specifications can use local data labs.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with other courses, including TBA4240 and AAR4847. If overlapping courses are taken, a credit reduction will be applied to the course with the lowest grade or the most recently completed course if grades are the same.

Subject Areas

• Town and Regional Planning
• Architecture

Department and Academic Responsibility

The Department of Architecture and Planning has academic responsibility for the course.