COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: GIS APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNERS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 463	C	9	3	0	0	3	6

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	NA
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Amanda Tërpo aterpo@epoka.edu.al , Monday 14:45-16:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Anisa Cenaj acenaj@epoka.edu.al
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Monday 08:40- 11:30
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	YES
Course Description:	ARCH 463 is an introductory course about real life applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the territorial management and planning. The course covers various aspects of GIS technologies, including: georeferencing, data types (vector and raster), data collection/ production, remote sensing, community engagement in decision making etc. Students are informed about many available GIS software, but in practice sessions only the open-source software and freely available data are promoted. The learning method relies on research-based learning via problem-oriented research. First, students are expected to clearly define a real life problem at the metropolitan scale from a context they are familiar with. Then, in small groups they are guided to structure a GIS-based method for understanding, analyzing, and proposing solutions.
Course Objectives:	The lectures and activities will provide an overview of the GIS creation process, as well as data integration and treatment. Each function's daily tasks will include learning new tools and data processing techniques. The set of resources will aid students in comprehending novel procedures and creating original models for each function. The material that is given in this course is anticipated to be thorough enough to cover the essential concepts in the field of information systems for international territorial administration. Additionally, this course seeks to disseminate helpful knowledge on the use of GIS data from a standards system. The course will give the students a solid foundation in data analytics.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Geographic Information System (GIS)
2	Remote sensing and Image Interpretation
3	Data Analyses and Database Management

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Week 1 Topic : GIS Applications for Planners Lecture : Introduction to GIS Theoretical dimensions and modern application.
2	Week 2 Topic : What is GIS? Historical development of the concept? Introduction to GIS components. Case study of The Netherlands.
3	Week 3 Topic : Geospatial Data and Attributes. Explore data types and Spatial Data layering. Students introduction into the GIS interface.
4	Week 4 Topic : Working with RASTER data, introduction into the ASIG platform and server connection. Cartography and the technology for Cartography (GIS, Orthophotos etc.)
5	Week 5 Topic : Working with VECTOR data [Producing Points, Lines, and Polygon layers]GIS Reference Systems and Data.
6	Week 6 Topic : Introduction to Spatial Analysis toolbox [Integrating both Vector & Raster data to understand/ analyze/ solve real life problems] Guest Lecture: MSc. Leonora Haxhia "Measuring urban indicators for area accessibility between buildings"
7	Week 7 Topic : Midterm Practical Knowledge testing. Mapping Exercise using knowledge gained during the first part of the semester : Individual work each student will have a specific area.
8	Week 8 Topic : Continue tools exploration for the development of multidimensional analyses. Initiating the Term project on Group Research Project proposals or Problem definitions. The goal is to identify and try to solve real-world issue in Tirana that can be addressed through GIS-based approaches.
9	Week 9 Topic : Define data collection methodologies, start site analyses and data elaboration for area.
10	Week 10 Topic : Introduction into the mapping tools and symbologies, Mapping elements (Scale, Orientation,legend, compas, Latitude and Longtitude).Data importing and map extraction, Mapping representation and conventionality . Student class independent work on the projects.
11	Week 11 Topic : The methodology for digital elevation models, exploring 3D Mapping and over layering technics. Student independent work on the project, supervised help by the Lecturer.
12	Week 12 Topic : Individual consultation of each student, Independent class work and final development.
13	Week 13 Topic : Preparing templates for the Study area/ Results maps involves creating the foundational structures and design elements that will be used in these maps.
14	Week 14 Topic : Student presentation and final delivery. Report and workflow developed and submitted.

Prerequisite(s):	NA
Textbook(s):	Olaya, V. (2018). Introduction to GIS. London, England: Bradbury and Evans. https://volaya.github.io/gis-book/en/index.html Jay D. Gatrell, R. R. (2018). Geospatial Technologies in Land Resources Mapping, Monitoring and Management. Ensched, The Netherlands: The International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth observatory. https://webapps.itc.utwente.nl/librarywww/papers_2009/general/principlesgis.pdf
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:	YES
Computer Usage:	YES
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	The student is expected to become aware of GIS utility in the processes of spatial analyzing and decision making.
2	Understanding the basics of Geographic Information Systems [GIS] and its utility in territorial analysis, planning, and management.
3	Being able to access the main open source geospatial databases, and use them within the objectives of the study.
4	Being able to access the main open source geospatial databases, and use them within the objectives of the study.
5	be able to map in GIS [QGIS] in order to quantify the landscape infrastructure and BGI of a specific study area.
6	Delivering tangible/ measurable assessment of Land use Land cover dynamics.
7	Student will experience a research based learning and problem oriented research process.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	4	5
Project	1	60
Lab/Practical Exams(s)	0	0
Case Study	0
Term Paper	1	10
Attendance		10
Other	0	0
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	3	48
Mid-terms	0	0	0
Assignments	4	6	24
Final examination	1	30	30
Other			0
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			6

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

To be concluded by the end of the course