Prototype
this page is a prototype page for educational modules. UMass team works on this page currently.
Introduction
This page offers some educational resources for Free/Libre and Open Source Geographic Information Systems (Foss GIS). Educational resources are viewed as “modules” or building blocks , where each module/block is a complete unit, introducing some theoretical concept, GIS approach or software-related skill. The resources/modules are classified by the skill-level of the target audience, as well as by application area, type of lessons, etc. Please refer to Table 1 for detail classification scheme [ModuleClassificationScheme].
| Criterion | Domain | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Type | Lecture / assignment / exercise | Lectures, in form of slides or video, are main means to convey theoretical knowledge. Exercises are written for the user to sit down and go through as the primary method of teaching.Assignments are available to allow the student to try again, the material they were exposed to in the exercises. This repetition is our effort to have the student remember on their own what was shown them in the exercises |
| 2 | Audience level | Beginner/ Intermediate / Advanced / Expert | |
| 3 | Application area | Environmental planning, Engineering, Transportation, General, etc. | |
| 4 | Software type | QGIS, MapWindow, MapServer, GRASS, etc | |
| 5 | Type of analysis | Vector, Raster, Network, etc | |
| 6 | Required data format | Vector, Raste, Imagery, etc |
The learning modules are independent, although each module should include a list of prerequisite modules and may also provide suggestions for relevant modules to explore after that. Although these modules are independent and prepared by different people and organizations, they are compliant with each other (or with OSGEO EDU standards). Therefore these modules can be used (and we encourage to do so) for teaching in academic or business environments. (Probably should include the creative commons license here) We see that educators will utilize a sequence of related to their area and goals modules, as a “roadmap” and/or “skeleton” for their courses. In other words, the idea is to “take” those modules, you need to achieve your goals.
As this project operates within open content paradigm, we encourage educators, students and professionals to contribute to the project by adding new modules, by editing/updated new modules and by sharing new datasets. It’s important to add new “roadmaps” or new course outlines so other could use them as well. The whole list of modules can be seen here. The modules can also be searched by categories (list of categories). Below, in the sections “Roadmaps” we present a course “Introduction to Free/Libre and Open Source GIS”, modules for which was developed by UMass team (C. Schweik et al).
Roadmaps / Classes Outlines
“Introduction to Free/Libre and Open Source GIS” v.1.0
- This course, in its development, replicates the development of typical GIS project, from data development, data analysis to presentation of analysis of results. The course utilizes qGIS, Grass-plug-in and PostgreSQL/PostGIS as major GIS tools. The course was designed and tested in 2006-2007 and supported by UMass Team (C. Schweik et al).
- Level: beginners to intermediate users
"GIS class 2"
Repository of modules
- All modules
- [lectures/ assignements/excercies]
- [by application area]
- [by software]
- [by level]