After the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe geographic phenomena and explain the concepts related to spatial data modelling and spatial databases.
2. Recognize the concept of graph metrics and its application in transport.
3. Collect and synthesize GIS network data.
4. Carry out network analysis and assess the performance of transportation networks.

The GIS for Transport course focuses on introducing geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and network performance assessment to students of Transport Engineering Master tracks. The course is organized in two groups: A) students who did not complete their bachelor studies at the University of Twente and have no prior knowledge on GIS, B) students who completed their civil engineering bachelor studies at the University of Twente.
The main learning outcome of this course is to understand what GI Science is, and apply the knowledge to analyse data using GI systems. The lectures in the course introduce the most important concepts, while the exercises help to understand the concepts and allow to practice the application of GIS software tools. The focus is on the understanding of network concepts and application of GIS in the area of transportation.
The course requires completion of following tasks, assignments, and exam (Group specific):

1. GIS Theory Reading (Group A): pass/fail
2. Portfolio Exercises (Group A and Group B): pass/fail
3. Graph Metrics in GIS – The Resilience of Transport Network (Group B): 40% weight
4. Network Performance Assessment (Group A and Group B): 60% weight
5. Exam (Group A): 40% weight

GIS Theory Reading is an individual task. Students are required to study the sections (will be provided by lecturer) of the textbook the core of GIScience – a systems based approach.
Portfolio Exercises is an individual assignment. Students have to submit a portfolio report about the exercises they have completed. The report has to be in pdf format and for each of the following exercises, students need to explain what have been completed in one paragraph and present the requested outputs.

Graph Metrics in GIS – The Resilience of Transport Network is a group assignment. Students read articles or book chapters on transport network resilience using graph metrics, make a literature review, calculate graph metrics for the specified study area, and report their findings.
The Network Performance assignment is a group assignment. The groups can be formed by students from both parties (i.e., one student from Group A and 1 student from Group B) or from a single party. The goal of the Network Performance assignment is to assess and improve the network performance in specific areas (e.g. region, province or cities) of the Netherlands using GIS-based software. The assignment comprises: processing different transport networks; assessing network performance under different conditions or scenarios; and discussion of findings.
Exam for the GIS for transport course is a closed book individual test. The test consists of 18 questions that have a total of 10 points. The exam is composed of mixed type of question (e.g. multiple choice or Essay).

Additional information:

The course is a cooperation between faculty ITC/PGM and faculty ET/ Transportation Engineering and Management group. The course is open to students who enrolled in the Master’s Program Traffic Engineering and Management. The course is organized in two groups: A) students who did not complete their bachelor studies at the University of Twente and have no prior knowledge on GIS, B) students who completed their civil engineering bachelor studies at the University of Twente.