Application-oriented GIS program for practicioners

UNIGIS professional provides application-oriented knowledge of Geoinformatics to develop innovative solutions based on relevant concepts and methods. Graduates will be awarded an “Academic Certificate in Geographical Information Systems” by the University of Salzburg.

The study is compliant with the level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework.

Target group

Persons aspiring to acquire methodological and application-specific or technology-oriented knowledge, expertise and skills in Geoinformatics. This University distance learning program is suitable for those already engaged in GIS related jobs and/or those who have some background in a spatial discipline.

Qualification

Academic Certificate in Geographical Information Systems

Starting dates

Twice a year (March, 1 and October, 1)

Duration

1+ years. Average weekly workload 12-15 hrs (depending on prior knowledge). An extension of up to 18 months study duration is free of charge

Tuition fee

The study program’s tuition fee amounts to € 6,900.- payable in one single installment or 2 equal installments of € 3,700.-.

Additional fees are due for credit card payment.

Study Content

The study program “UNIGIS professional” is based on modular structure consisting of:

7 core modules (6 ECTS per module)
Elective Subjects (18 ECTS), and
an introductory online workshop

The program amounts to 60 ECTS credits.

Curriculum overview

Module 1: Introduction to Geoinformatics

This introductory module has a special position, being the first study component of the curriculum. It provides orientation and sets the frame for working with the subsequent modules. Specifically, it supports the students in getting familiar with the distance-learning materials and environment, which are used in subsequent modules. In addition to these objectives regarding the study format, the following domain-related contents are offered:

Terminology and functional characteristics of geographic information systems
Typical applications of geographic information processing
Current trends in Geoinformatics
Overview of secondary information resources for GIS in terms of life-long learning
Practical training to use professional GIS software
Competent use of coordinate systems and projections in the practical work of GIS

Module 2: Data Modelling and Data Structures

This module provides a profound overview of common data structures and data models in GIS. It explores how the real world around us can be displayed (application- and goal-oriented) in all its complexity with data models and data structures. Specific module contents include:

Basics of a formal description of spatial phenomena and relationships
Modelling spatial information
Spatial models – data models – data structures
Vector model
Grid models (raster)
Representation of continuous space
Object-oriented data models
Interoperability, OGC and standardisation
WMS, WFS, WCS and OGC-CS
Standards (GML) and quasi-standards (GeoJSON) for structuring and communication of spatial data
Complementary training in another professional GI software

Module 3: Data Sources and Data Acquisition

The third module applies to the practical aspects of the ‘population’ of spatial data structures with real-world information. It provides an overview of primary and secondary acquisition methods with the goal of gaining insight into the genesis and the suitability of spatial data for specific use cases. A substantial part is the access and the report of important digital resources as well as the valorisation of geo-information by a standard-compliant documentation. Specific module contents include:

Identification of required data bases from the application and user perspective
Data quality and cost
Surveying
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
Photogrammetry
LiDAR
Optical sensors and radar
Remote sensing platforms (satellite, aircraft, UAV)
Digitising, scanning, vectorising
Data with indirect location reference, geocoding of address data
Data transfer: norms and standards, transformation formats
Metadata, metadata standards
National and global sources of geodata, open government data
Geodata infrastructure, data catalogues, INSPIRE
Legal and ethical aspects, copyright and open licenses of geodata

Module 4: Geodatabase Management

In this module, the conceptual foundations of conventional database systems are introduced by working on hands-on examples. On this basis, the knowledge is transferred to spatial data management and geodatabase systems. Specific module contents include:

Architecture of database management systems
Database design and documentation
Relational data modelling
Normalisation
Solid basics of SQL query language as a universal language for data definition, data control and data management
Practical work with a SQL front end
Glossary of terms and specifications of GeoDBMS
Spatial models in DBMS
Spatial SQL operations according to OGC
Spatial Indexing

Module 5: Application Development

This module introduces to software engineering and scripting of geospatial applications. It covers an overview to programming languages and their paradigms in general, an introduction to Python in particular, and the supporting frameworks for the development of applications such as IDE and Git. Specific module content includes:

Concepts and paradigms of programming
Overview of programming languages and their typical areas of application
Introduction to the Python scripting language
Code development in Visual Studio Code
Introduction to the version control system Git for distributed code development
Software documentation with the Markdown markup language
Using the interactive Jupyter Notebook web application to create and share code
Introduction to UML, Patterns, Refactoring, Testing, and Software Architecture

Module 6: Spatial Analysis

Spatial analysis methods are a central feature of geographic information systems. This core area within Geoinformatics aims at translating domain problems, based on conceptual problem structuring, towards analytical methods and tools. This module introduces the fundamental methods and techniques of geographical analysis. Specific module contents include:

Graphic modelling as a practical methodology for design and documentation of analysis processes
Map algebra as an ordering scheme, appropriate operators
Spatial selection and aggregation, regionalisation
Aggregate data, MAUP and ecological fallacy
Distance scales and distance metrics, applications of distance-based methods
Cost surfaces in surface transport and dispersion analyses
Spatial interpolation (deterministic, geostatistical)
Multi-thematic integration (intersection, assessment, multi-criteria method)
Route optimisation and allocation in networks
Terrain analysis (slope, exposure, radiation, visibility, hydrological run-off)

Module 7: Visualisation and Cartography

Knowledge on the visual communication of spatial information is essential since nearly every GI professional actively designs maps at some point. This module aims at professionals from different domains to take advantage of cartographic data processing approaches for their respective tasks. Specific module contents related to conventional as well as digital forms of publication (web-mapping, mobile-mapping) include:

Cartographic application fields and paradigms
Cartographic design process
Generalisation and classification
Perception of forms and visual variables
Colour models and colour use (including consideration of colour vision deficiency)
Development of map symbols and interaction
Map annotation and text
Thematic maps, diagrams and diagram maps
Map design and layout
Digital devices and output formats
2.5D/3D visualisation
Web-mapping technologies and APIs
Dynamic visualisation

Elective subjects

Electives advance and/or complement skills and knowledge acquired on UNIGIS core modules for specialised topics. A total of 18 ECTS are to be selected for Electives.

There are various ways to cover the Electives. Most importantly, UNIGIS offers a variety of optional modules that cover a broad range of conceptual and application-oriented topics in Geoinformatics. However, students can get credits for a range of other courses and achievments, including documented project work, successful participation in a Summer School, scientific publications, etc.

For further details refer to the Curriculum for the degree study program “Geographical Information Systems (UNIGIS professional)”. This is an informal translation of the legally binding document released in German language.

Are you interested in studying UNIGIS professional in German language?

Information about the study program offered in German.

Next start
1^st October 2025

Application deadline: 10^th September 2025

Due date of tuition fees: 17^th September 2025