Geosspatial Databases

Course Description

Course Objective

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of geospatial databases and modern technologies for managing spatial information. Emphasis is placed on understanding the specific characteristics of geographic data, the design and implementation of geospatial databases, and the use of spatial queries and functions for the retrieval and analysis of geospatial information.

The course also provides practical training in PostgreSQL and PostGIS and in connecting geospatial databases with Python 3, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems involving the management and analysis of geospatial data.

Course Contents

The course covers the fundamental concepts and technologies of geospatial databases. It initially introduces the concepts of spatial data, the main spatial data types, and standards for the representation and storage of geographic information. It then examines the principles of designing and modelling geospatial databases and their implementation using PostgreSQL/PostGIS.

Particular emphasis is placed on the creation and management of spatial databases, the import and retrieval of geospatial data, the execution of spatial queries and SQL functions, as well as the use of spatial indexes and optimization techniques. The course also presents the integration of geospatial databases with Python 3 and their use in geospatial analysis applications and Geographic Information Systems.

Teaching and Assessment Methods

Teaching consists of 8 theoretical lectures and 4 laboratory sessions, during which students apply the concepts presented in the lectures through practical exercises using PostgreSQL/PostGIS and the Python 3 programming language.

In addition, students complete a semester project, in which they conduct a case study and design and implement a geospatial database using PostgreSQL/PostGIS.

The written final examination assesses students' understanding of the fundamental concepts of geospatial databases, as well as their ability to apply them through questions and exercises. The semester project assesses students' ability to design, implement, and use a geospatial database using PostgreSQL/PostGIS.

To successfully complete the course, the student must obtain a passing grade in both the Written Final Examination and the Semester Project.