Spatial Information Systems are becoming increasingly important. While traditionally spatial datasets were used only by experts in specific professional fields (e.g., Cartography, Geography, etc.), nowadays they are employed in the more varied application contexts (e.g., trip planning, crime mapping, etc.). As a consequence, the research in Spatial Information Systems is receiving a lot of attention.This is a module for all students interested in understanding issues related to spatial information handling. In this module students will learn the fundamentals of spatial information, spatial querying, spatial information systems, geometric problems involved in a spatial information system. They will learn details about the spatial data formats (raster and vector), spatial relations (with particular emphasis on topological relations), spatial data structures, digital terrain modelling, geometric problems arising in spatial information systems and algorithms to solve them. They will develop a critical understanding of the different approaches to storing and manipulating spatial data: loosely coupled approach of classical GIS versus the integrated approach of spatial database management systems. They will analyse the Oracle Spatial object-relational model for storing and indexing spatial data. These notions will complement their knowledge of other types of information systems seen throughout their Computer Science courses. The knowledge of basic concepts of databases and information systems is a pre-requisite for this course.
