GIS Course Online | Learn Geographic Information Systems | IIT Roorkee Prof. Arun K. Saraf

Course Details

Unlock the Power of Spatial Data: A Premier Course in Geographic Information Systems

In today's data-driven world, the ability to analyze and visualize spatial information is a critical skill across numerous industries. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) stand at the forefront of this revolution, providing the tools to map, model, and manage our world. We are proud to present an exceptional opportunity to master this transformative technology through a comprehensive 12-week course led by one of India's foremost experts in the field.

Learn from a Pioneer: Your Instructor, Prof. Arun K. Saraf

This course is taught by Prof. Arun K. Saraf, a distinguished professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. With a career spanning over three decades, Prof. Saraf is not just an instructor; he is a pioneer who introduced GIS to postgraduate education in India as early as 1990.

His credentials are a testament to his expertise and dedication:

• Ph.D. in Remote Sensing from the University of Dundee, UK.
• Recipient of prestigious awards including the National Remote Sensing Award (2001) and GIS Professional of the Year Award (2001).
• Conducted post-doctoral research at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, USA.
• Recognized among the Top 2% Scientists in the World in a Stanford University analysis.
• Published over 100 research papers and supervised 15 Ph.D. students.
• Successfully conducted multiple online video courses under the NPTEL (National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning).

Course Overview: What You Will Learn

This meticulously designed 12-week course provides a deep and practical understanding of GIS, with a special emphasis on applications in Civil Engineering and Earth Sciences. It is tailored for undergraduate and postgraduate students who seek to build a strong foundation and advanced skills in spatial analysis.

Intended Audience: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Engineering students, Postgraduate Science students, and Doctoral researchers.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of computers.

Detailed 12-Week Course Layout

Weeks 1-3: GIS Foundations & Data Models

• Introduction to GIS and its essential components.
• Deep dive into Vector and Raster data models, including TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network).
• Understanding topology, attributes, and data compression techniques.
• Hands-on software demonstrations to solidify concepts.

Weeks 4-6: Spatial Analysis & Database Management

• Core techniques in georeferencing and spatial data pre-processing.
• Mastering spatial interpolation methods.
• A comprehensive suite of GIS analysis operations (Overlay, Buffer, Network, etc.).
• Introduction to spatial database systems and attribute classification.

Weeks 7-9: Mastering Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

• Fundamentals of map projections and the concept of NoData.
• In-depth study of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs): representation, generation techniques, and resolution types.
• Techniques to assess DEM quality and integrate them with satellite data.
• Generating and interpreting primary DEM derivatives like Slope and Aspect.

Weeks 10-12: Advanced Applications & Modeling

• Advanced DEM derivatives and creating shaded relief models.
• DEM-based Surface Hydrologic Modelling for watershed delineation and flow analysis.
• Practical applications in dam simulation, groundwater hydrology, flood hazard mapping, and renewable energy potential estimation.
• Critical understanding of errors in GIS, cartographic principles, and the future of the technology.

Why This Course is Essential for Your Career

GIS skills are in high demand. This course is directly relevant to industries supported by leading geoinformatics companies like ESRI India, Leica Geosystems, MapmyIndia, and ISRO. Whether you aim to work in urban planning, environmental consultancy, natural resource management, infrastructure development, or research, proficiency in GIS is a powerful asset.

Recommended Learning Resources

To complement the video lectures, Prof. Saraf recommends the following key texts and resources:

• Primary Online Resource: Authoritative websites from Universities, NASA, ESA, and ISRO for the latest developments.
• "Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python" by Joel Lawhead (3rd Ed., 2019).
• "Introduction to Geographic Information Systems" by Kang-tsung Chang (2016).
• "An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems" by Heywood, Cornelius & Carver (4th Ed., 2012).

Embark on your journey to becoming a GIS expert under the guidance of an award-winning academic and researcher. This course offers the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping you with the skills to solve real-world spatial challenges. Enroll today and transform data into decisions.

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