Program Overview

Course Overview

The course AG1314 GIS and Surveying is a 7.5 credit course that provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), reference systems, and methods for capturing geographic data. The course consists of lectures, computer labs, practical outdoor measurements, and a project work.

Information per Course Offering

Spring 2026

• Course location: KTH Campus
• Duration: 16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
• Periods: Spring 2026: P4 (7.5 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 60095
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: Swedish
• Number of places: Places are not limited
• Target group: No information inserted
• Planned modular schedule: No information inserted
• Schedule: Link to schedule
• Part of programme: Degree Programme in Civil Engineering and Urban Management, year 1, Mandatory

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is available in an accessible format on this page. Headings with content from the Course syllabus are denoted with an asterisk.

Content and Learning Outcomes

Course Disposition

• Lectures: 24 hours
• Computer exercises: 36 hours
• Practical measurements outdoors: 8 hours

Course Contents

The course consists of lectures, practical field measurements, computer exercises, and a project work. Main contents of lectures include:

• Reference systems and map projections
• Principles of the most common data collection techniques: photogrammetry, laser scanning, GNSS, and total station
• Measurement with GPS, total station, and levelling instrument
• Basic methods for the analysis of geographic data
• Structure and use of geographic database
• Map production work flow Main contents of laboratory sessions (designed as group work) include:
• Practical collection of data by means of GNSS, total station, and levelling instrument
• Map production using special software
• Location analysis by means of GIS software
• Analysis of raster and vector data

Intended Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to show knowledge and skills in basic methods for collection of geographic data for production and presentation of maps as well as for the solution of simple geographic analyses using GIS software. After completing the course, the students shall be able to:

• Account for how different types of reference systems are built-up and how they can be used
• Use geodetic measuring instruments (Total station, GNSS, and levelling instruments) to collect data for updating maps, positioning, and precise height determination
• Evaluate different data sources and account for different data collection methods within Geographic IT
• Analyse geographic data and present the results in the form of thematic maps
• Solve localization problems by means of GIS
• Create and update maps based on data acquired from different sources
• Design questions to a database by means of "Structured Query Language"
• Use and evaluate crowd-sourced geodata and the open source GIS solutions
• Describe the use and benefits of GIS in society and its role for sustainable development

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

For degree programme students: Entry requirements to CSAMH-program For independent students: General entry requirements as well as Mathematics E/Mathematics 4, Physics B/Physics 2. Basic computer skills are recommended.

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• TENA - Written examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LABA - Laboratory Work, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH's coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

Other Requirements for Final Grade

Passed written examination (TENA; 3 credits), approved laboratory sessions (LABA; 4.5 credits), and presence in all guest lectures and in the field exercises.

Examiner

Takeshi Shirabe

Ethical Approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further Information

Course Room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas.

Offered by

ABE/Geoinformatics

Main Field of Study

Technology

Education Cycle

First cycle