There has been a rapid growth in the use of digital spatial and temporal data in many aspects of urban water systems management (for example urban planning, pipe-network systems analysis, river basin management, groundwater analysis and water pollution assessment). The aim of this course is to provide both a solid theoretical understanding and a comprehensive practical introduction to the use of geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies for the analysis and solution of different water and environmental problems.

Learning objectives

To enable participants to:

gain a sound fundamental understanding of the GIS and remote sensing technologies;
understand the basic principles underlying the GIS/model-based management of water systems;
become familiar with the GIS-based analytical and problem-solving techniques for sustainable planning and management of water systems;

Attention will also be given to the complementary role of data gathering systems, spatial/temporal databases, numerical modelling and decision support systems.

Target group

The course is designed for professionals (engineers and scientists) active in the water/ environmental sector, especially those involved in planning and management of water systems as well as numerical modelling. Pre-requisites are a basic knowledge of computing and water related topics.

Additional information

The course focuses on the analysis of digital spatial data, preparation for numerical modelling, presentation of modelling results and support to the decision making process. Some of the topics covered in the course include the following:

Introduction to geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies,
Active and passive remote sensing,
Data structures,
Map projections and coordinate systems,
Processing of digital geographic information,
Creation of digital elevation models,
Visualisation,
Mapping of water and environmental features,
Watersheds, streams and aquifers delineation,
Digitisation,
Soil and land use mapping,
Map algebra,
Terrain analysis for hydrological and hydraulic modelling,
Presentation of modelling results,
Analysis to generate new information and knowledge,
Dissemination of new information and knowledge,
GIS as a decision support tool.