Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course titled "NGEB12003U Grundlæggende geografiske informations systemer & kartografi" which translates to "Basic Geographical Information Systems & Cartography" in English.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the theory and concepts of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and cartography, as well as practical application of software for GIS analysis and cartographic production. Through a series of practical exercises, students build general knowledge about digital geodata and how GIS-based analyses can be applied in various professional contexts.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

• Introducing students to GIS software, digital geodata, and data models for representing the world.
• Teaching students to apply generic GIS tools for spatial analysis.
• Providing an introduction to the history of cartography and principles for thematic cartographic communication.
• Introducing the principles of database systems and their application as an integrated part of GIS functionality.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have:

Knowledge About:

• GIS software - ArcGIS
• Digital geodata
• Storage of geodata - databases, geodatabases
• Data models for representing the world
• Vector GIS
• Raster GIS
• Spatial analysis in GIS
• Projections
• Georeferencing
• Coordinate systems
• Thematic cartography
• Cartographic basic concepts
• Presentation of digital maps

Skills in:

• Applying a specific data model to represent an abstraction of the real world in a GIS in the form of spatial units or entities.
• Defining a spatial reference for collected observations on the Earth, so they can be coordinated with a view to storage in a GIS, and also understanding and applying digital geodata in different scales.
• Using a relational database for property data for registered phenomena.
• Using generic GIS analysis tools for calculations of spatial properties for geographic information.
• Applying basic cartographic principles and methods that can be used for graphical communication of thematic geographic information.

Competencies to:

• Discuss, categorize, and select relevant and valid GIS strategies and functions with a view to solving spatially related problems within geographic and related fields.

Course Materials

Course materials can be found on the course homepage on Absalon.

Teaching Methods

The teaching consists of lectures, exercises, and guidance. The teaching plan is available on the course homepage on Absalon.

Workload

The estimated workload for the course is:

• Lectures: 12 hours
• Preparation (estimated): 114 hours
• Practical exercises: 80 hours
• Total: 206 hours

Feedback

Feedback is provided during the course, including peer feedback on assignments to improve subsequent submissions. Collective feedback is also given on digital tests to review problematic concepts and analyses.

Examination

The examination consists of a written assignment submitted at the end of the course. All aids are allowed, and the assessment is based on a 7-point scale with external censorship. Re-examination is possible, where the student can either submit a revised assignment or complete a new one.

Course Information

• Language: Danish
• Course code: NGEB12003U
• ECTS points: 7.5
• Level: Bachelor
• Placement: Summer
• Schedule group: 10-30 August 2026
• Course capacity: 22 (fewer places may be available during late registration periods)
• The course is also offered for further education.

Study Board

The study board for this course is the Study Board for Geosciences and Planning.

Offering Institute

The course is offered by the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management.

Offering Faculty

The course is part of the Faculty of Science.

Course Responsible

The course is responsible for Kostas Mouratidis.