FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS AND PYTHON FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The course falls within the Earth Sciences area and aims to provide basic knowledge of two fundamental tools, Python and QGIS, which are also commonly used in other fields, including Chemistry and Ecology, for the analysis of environmental problems.

By the end of the course, those attending will be able to write simple Python scripts to solve basic geological and environmental problems, and to use QGIS to produce basic maps from raster and vector data. They will also have acquired the fundamentals of the Python programming language and the basic concepts related to spatial data, including their import, management, and analysis within a Geographic Information System.

Basic computer skills: ability to open and work with Excel and CSV files, unzip folders on Drive, and connect to Google Colaboratory for running Python scripts. A dedicated video tutorial will be provided for the latter.

The course is structured into two practical modules, one devoted to an introduction to Python and the other to the use of QGIS, for a total of 6 hours.
Each module includes 1 hour of lecture and 2 hours of guided practical exercises based on a simple environmental case study.

Module 1 – Introduction to Python for a simple environmental problem (3 hours)

Lecture (1 hour)
Introduction to the Python working environment and to the basic programming concepts needed to address a simple geological or environmental problem. The following topics will be introduced:
• opening and using the working environment;
• structure of a script;
• variables, operators, and basic mathematical functions;
• entering parameters and calculating a simple equation describing an environmental process;
• organizing and saving results in tabular format.

Practical exercise (2 hours)
Guided practical activity aimed at writing a simple Python script to solve an equation applied to an environmental topic. The exercise will include:
• defining input variables;
• implementing the equation in Python;
• running the script and checking the results;
• exporting the results in a format that can be used in a GIS environment.

Module 2 – Introduction to QGIS for mapping the results (3 hours)

Lecture (1 hour)
Introduction to QGIS and to the fundamental concepts for spatial data visualization and representation. The following topics will be covered:
• opening the software and overview of the interface;
• difference between raster and vector data;
• loading layers and tables;
• linking tabular data to geographic data;
• using a simple QGIS tool to map the results obtained in Python.

Practical exercise (2 hours)
Guided practical activity aimed at producing a thematic map from the results of the equation solved in the previous module. The exercise will include:
• importing the data produced in Python;
• linking the results to a geographic layer;
• using a QGIS tool for value visualization and classification;
• producing a simple thematic map;
• exporting the final map.

Notes and slides from the teacher

Assessment will take place through the production of an assignment during the exam. During the exam, students will be given an exercise to solve using Python and QGIS, following the same approach practiced during the in-class exercises; the completed work will then be discussed orally with the instructor.

written and oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The exam project will be graded on a maximum scale of 30 points, with the possibility of honors, based on the correctness of the final result and the oral presentation of the approach and the result obtained.
• 18–22/30: correct final result, but the code and approach are described only superficially during the oral presentation.
• 23–26/30: correct and well-documented final result; code and approach are described adequately during the oral presentation, though with some gaps.
• 27–30/30: excellent work, well documented and well argued during the oral presentation, with critical reflections and polished visuals; honors may be awarded for work that is especially accurate and well presented.

- In-class lectures
- Guided practical session
- Video tutorials

Accommodations and Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders:
Ca’ Foscari complies with Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding the support services and accommodations available to students with disabilities or specific learning disorders. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999), or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010), and require support (in-class assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible-format materials, note-taking support, specialized tutoring, interpreters, or other services), please contact the Disability and SLD Office at: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development