Admission requirements
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
Course description
Course responsible: Espen Aukrust Hauglin
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide important tools for collecting, analysing and visualising spatial data. Such methods are increasingly used within architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism to understand spatial patterns and changes in the built environment.
This course introduces basic concepts and methods in mapping, spatial analysis and GIS. Through lectures, seminars and practical exercises, students will learn how geographic data can be used as a basis for spatial analysis and to communicate spatial knowledge through maps and visual material.
The course focuses on actual land-use changes in Norwegian urban settlements over the past ten years. Rather than analysing plans and intentions, students investigate what has actually been built, where and how. Using GIS-based mapping and spatial analysis, students identify patterns of spatial transformation and development in selected settlements.
Based on this work, students will critically assess how observed changes align with or conflict with current planning objectives. The empirical findings will be discussed in relation to ongoing debates in Norwegian planning, including land-use neutrality (arealnøytralitet), densification (fortetting) and conflicts related to the loss of landscapes and natural resources.
Learning Outcome
After completing the course, students will have developed knowledge and skills in the use of GIS and mapping as tools for spatial analysis and critical reflection on urban development.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of basic concepts and methods in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
- Understanding of how cartographic methods can be used to identify and analyse patterns of spatial transformation in the built environment.
- Knowledge of current debates in Norwegian urban planning, including land-use neutrality, densification and sustainable land use.
Skills
- Ability to collect, organise and analyse spatial data using GIS.
- Ability to produce analytical maps that identify and communicate patterns of spatial change.
- Ability to carry out a spatial investigation based on empirical data and use it as a basis for analysis.
General competence
- Ability to critically assess how observed spatial changes align with or conflict with current planning objectives.
- Ability to interpret and discuss empirical findings in relation to ongoing debates in Norwegian planning.
- Experience in using GIS as an analytical and communicative tool relevant for architectural, landscape architectural and urban planning practice.
Teaching
The course consists of lectures, seminars, and practical exercises in GIS. Students are introduced to GIS software, data sources, and basic methods for mapping and analysis.
Throughout the semester, students work individually or in small groups (optional) on a spatial investigation of recent decade of urbanization in the southern parts of the region of Oslo.
Seminars provide opportunities for discussion of mapping methods, findings, and interpretation of maps within a planning contex
Physical attendance at lectures, reviews, supervision sessions, discussions, and other educational activities is expected and necessary in order to achieve the learning outcomes
Examination
Assessment method: Assignment submission
Grading: Pass/fail
In order to be assessed in this course, the student must have completed the following activities and assignments:
Throughout the semester, students are expected to engage in data collection, processing, and spatial analysis using GIS, as well as mapping exercises that contribute to their final project.