UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Course and Code: GIS Algorithms and Programming HGINT106 /HGGIS411 (48 Credits)

Instructor: Mr F.M Marumbwa

Office: B17, Department of Geography & Environmental Science Building

Venue: B2, Department of Geography & Environmental Science Building

Course Description

Knowledge of a computer programming is of paramount importance in spatial analysis

especially in the development of new GIS functions and tools which might not be readily
available in existing GIS application software. The primary goal of this course is to teach
students on the development of GIS programs, Graphic User Interface (GUI) as well as the
automation of Geo-processing functions and image processing

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

 Demonstrate an understanding programming

 Develop GIS scripts and standalone applications (GUI based & plugins)
 Automate geo-processing workflows

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Methods of Instruction

The course is a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and assignments. Formal

presentation of theoretical material will be presented via lectures. The written assignments and
computer-based laboratory programming exercises.

Assumed knowledge

A working knowledge of GIS and RS is desirable to complete practical exercises.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to programming
o Python, data types, variables,sql
o Controlling code executions- loops
2. Python packages for GIS
o Arcpy, Python console for QGIS, python and modules-(gdal, basemap
etc)
3. Vector and raster data processing using Gdal/Ogr
4. Development of GUI
o Python tkinter
o QGIS plugins
5. Fine tuning performance of algorithms & publishing code
o Parallel processing, HPC
o github
Allocated time per teaching and learning method

The course runs throughout the semester and comprises staff-led lectures, and individual
assignments, fieldwork and supervised practical exercises. The proposed time to be spent on
each teaching and learning method is shown in the Table below.

Teaching/learning method Hours

Lecture 24

Supervised practicals 12

Individual assignment 4

Mini projects 8

Examination 2

NOTE: Final Examination is computer based

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Course materials

Course materials including handouts will be provided to registered students. Scientific reading
material relevant to topics outlined in the course outline will be provided during lectures.

Software

Python, Pycharm, Bash (Linux scripting)

Recommended reading materials

Books

1. Think Python -How to Think Like a Computer Scientist-

http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkpython.pdf
2. Westra, E (2013) Python Geospatial Development, Packt Publishing, Birmingham-
Mumbai
3. PyQGIS developer cookbook (2015) QGIS project
https://docs.qgis.org/2.14/pdf/en/QGIS-2.14-PyQGISDeveloperCookbook-en.pdf
4. Meier, B.A (2015) Python GUI Programming Cookbook. Packt Publishing BIRMINGHAM –
MUMBAI-
https://we.riseup.net/assets/346116/Python+GUI+Programming+Cookbook.pdf

Internet

E-library materials http://www.uz.ac.zw/index.php/library/

1. https://www.programiz.com/python-programming

2. https://www.programiz.com/python-programming

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyi3b4Obxgw

Note: The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.