Duration
30h Th, 30h Pr
Number of credits
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) refers to the organized set of technologies, data, standards, and processes that enable the collection, management, sharing, and dissemination of geographic information. Its goal is to make geospatial data accessible, interoperable, and reusable, thereby facilitating their integration into research, territorial management, or planning projects.
The aim of this course is to provide students with the conceptual and technical foundations required for the design and implementation of spatial data infrastructures. It covers the entire geodata management process, from their integration into spatial databases to their querying and dissemination through web platforms, with particular emphasis on standards, interoperability, and data quality. Special attention is given to the use of PostgreSQL/PostGIS, which serves as a reference environment for storing, manipulating, and analyzing spatial data.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain the role and principles of information systems, and situate GIS and SDI within this general framework.
- Design and manage relational and spatial databases with PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
- Describe and apply the fundamental structures of vector and raster data, as well as topological structures used to model spatial relationships.
- Model the data and processes of a GIS project using UML methods.
- Document and qualify geospatial data through metadata, in compliance with international standards (OGC, ISO).
- Design and implement web mapping solutions for the dissemination and sharing of geographic information.
- Develop a critical and integrated approach to the design of spatial data infrastructures, taking into account issues of interoperability, scalability, and data governance.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Prior knowledge of GIS tools such as QGIS or ArcGIS, as well as experience in computer programming, is recommended.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course combines theoretical concepts with practical exercises in order to prepare students to actively participate in the design and deployment of spatial data infrastructures in academic, institutional, or professional contexts.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
- Three-hour sessions including both lectures and practical exercises.
- Over the course of the year, students will be required to design and implement a complete SDI as part of an autonomous group project.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Slides available on E-Campus
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam
Other : Oral presentation of the group project
Further information:
Weighting of the Final Grade
Practical: 50%
- Practical exam: computer-based exercises (open book): 25%
- Group project: 25%
- Oral exam: 50%
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Most of the software used for the exercises is Open Source and free to download. Desktop computers are available to students for in-class exercises and the exam, but it is recommended to use their own machine (Windows 10 OS or higher), particularly for practical work and preparation for the practical exam.
Contacts
Unit of Geomatics
University of Liège,
Agora, 19 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège (building B5a)
Secretaryship :
Tel : 04/366.57.42
Prof. Jean-Paul Kasprzyk: jp.kasprzyk@uliege.be
Prof. Roland Billen: rbillen@uliege.be