KGLM 2060 - Introduction to GIS

This course introduces students to the foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial data, and spatial analysis in the context of urban studies. Designed as a hands-on methodological course, it familiarizes students with the ways spatial thinking can support the study of cities, inequalities, infrastructures, mobility, environment, and urban transformation. Through practical exercises, students will learn how to collect, manage, visualize, and interpret spatial data using contemporary GIS tools and open-source datasets, primarily through the QGIS platform. The course covers key concepts including coordinate systems, georeferencing, vector and raster data, thematic mapping, spatial joins, and introductory spatial analysis techniques. Alongside technical training, the course introduces selected examples of spatial research from urban studies, geography, environmental justice, planning, and related fields, showing how maps and spatial methods are used in academic research and applied urban contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically interpret spatial data, produce clear analytical maps, and carry out basic spatial analyses relevant to urban research and spatial inquiry.

Course outcome:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand how spatial thinking and GIS contribute to the study of urban processes and inequalities.
• Access, manage, and analyze different types of spatial data using QGIS.
• Produce and interpret analytical maps that address urban research questions using spatial evidence.

This course has individual gradings. Students will be graded on the basis for progressive city level mapping

project (70%, week 4, 5, 6). Mid-course interactive assignment (20%) - Students will find a city-specific

report/paper which use GIS/mapping and submit online (week 2,3) a small summary and the map (specific

details will be shared in the initial session). Throughout-course participation 10%