INTRODUCTION TO TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS. CONCEPTS, TOOLS, APPLICATIONS

The MODULE A (prof. QUATRIDA) will explore key issues and debates on territorial development and of research and fieldwork in development.
It is organized in three parts.
Part I, in class, focuses on theory and methodologies to analyse the geographies of development projects in a diachronical perspective. Specifically we will analyze the territorialisation process and the role of territoriality’s dynamics (actors and power relathionships).
Part II, in class, provides a practical introduction to theoretical issues and challenges associated with fieldwork. The module will cover the three main stages of fieldwork experience (the preparatory moment; the “being” in the field and the final write-up of the research) to stimulate a self-reflexive analysis and positioning. Students will be involved in the analysis and presentation (in groups) of a peculiar aspect of fieldwork for creating a final and shared gaze on its practical and social implications.
Part III is mainly dedicated to case studies analysis through fieldwork.

MODULE B (prof. HODGSON):
A) Lectures:
- Geographic coordinate systems for the Earth, datums, map projections
- Introduction to GIS data models and use (definitions, importance in territorial studies)
- Construction phases (i.e. workflow) of a GIS project
- Structure and basics of ArcGIS and/or QGIS
- Add / import existing data, web-based map services
- Digitize new spatial features and their attributes
- Creation of a map in ArcGIS and/or QGIS and the use of symbology
- Selection and queries
- Geo-referencing (historical maps, vertical photos, ...)
- Elements of geoprocessing tools
- Applications of cartography and GIS in territorial studies (both in italian and international contexts)
B) Computer Laboratory (GIS):
- practice of implementing the theoretical concepts learned in lectures using modern GIS software.