Overview

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory at the Faculty of Information Technology is a state-of-the-art facility designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in GIS technologies. This lab is an essential part of the curriculum for students interested in fields such as urban planning, environmental science, geography, and engineering

he key features and objectives of the GIS lab

Advanced GIS Software

  • ArcGIS: One of the most widely used GIS software tools, providing comprehensive features for spatial analysis, cartography, and data management. Students use ArcGIS to create detailed maps, conduct spatial analysis, and manage geographic databases.
  • QGIS: An open-source alternative to ArcGIS, QGIS is highly customizable and used for creating, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. It supports a wide range of formats and plugins for specialized tasks.

Practical GIS Applications

  • Spatial Analysis: Students learn how to perform spatial analysis, which includes tasks such as proximity analysis, buffering, and overlay analysis, to make decisions based on geographic relationships.
  • Geographic Forecasting: The lab provides opportunities for students to apply GIS tools to predict future spatial patterns or trends, such as urban growth, climate change effects, and resource management.
  • Geographic Data Management: Students gain experience in organizing, storing, and managing large sets of geographic data, including working with databases (such as PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and cloud-based solutions for spatial data storage.

Project-based Learning

  • Mapping Projects: The lab supports a wide variety of mapping projects, ranging from simple visualizations to complex thematic maps that highlight data trends, environmental changes, or social patterns.
  • Urban Planning and Design: Students use GIS software to create models of urban environments, analyze infrastructure needs, and plan city layouts and zoning regulations.
  • Environmental Monitoring: The lab facilitates projects related to environmental studies, such as monitoring land use, deforestation, natural resource distribution, and disaster management.
  • Engineering Design: Students use GIS tools for infrastructure design, utilities mapping, and transportation planning, integrating spatial data with engineering solutions.

Hands-on Learning Experience

  • Surveying and Fieldwork: The lab enables students to apply GIS in the field by conducting surveys and collecting geospatial data using GPS and other surveying tools. This hands-on experience is vital for understanding the link between theoretical concepts and real-world applications.
  • Data Collection and Processing: Students learn how to collect and process geographic data, both remotely (through satellite images, aerial photos) and on-site (via GPS and surveying).
  • Spatial Planning: The lab provides opportunities for students to engage in spatial planning exercises, where they design land use plans, analyze infrastructure development, and propose solutions for environmental or urban issues.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory at the Faculty of Information Technology is a specialized facility that provides students with an ideal environment to learn and apply GIS technologies. The lab is equipped with advanced software that assists students in analyzing geographic data, producing digital maps, and creating spatial visualizations. Key programs used in the lab include ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and AutoCAD Map 3D, which allow students to work on a variety of projects, including spatial analysis, geographic forecasting, and geographic data management. The lab plays a key role in developing students' skills in areas such as surveying, geographic data analysis, and spatial planning, opening up broad career opportunities in fields like urban planning, environmental studies, and engineering.