Courses in Geographic Information Systems at the Geography Division of the Mediterranean Institute

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are an essential tool for todayís analysis, but not only for geographers. GIS is used in various fields where the elements of geography and space interact with the usual tables and numbers. Spatial analysis is therefore used by economists, environmentalists, biologists, architects, archaeologists, and also engineers. 

The use of GIS is important to make informed decisions, not just to produce nice maps. GIS is a tool that couples together the ability to create maps and analyse spatial data. Therefore the concept of the database is transformed to include the very powerful visual tools of mapping. Representing data and results becomes not only more interesting but it offers the possibility to identify trends and patterns which if represented on tables would not be seen. 

GIS is nowadays a tool used in all fields of research and applied to many subjects. GIS is used in government administrations, health, management, civil protection, construction, planning and development, education, military, marketing, archaeology, and mostly geography. As we all know, geography is part of our everyday lives, and therefore it is obvious that the technology provided by GIS today is going to help present and future research to be more efficient.

Every year a number of introductory courses are offered by the Geography Division of the Mediterranean Institute, in GIS. These credits focus on the applicability of GIS and how to use the software. For more information see the Divisionís web page at http://home.um.edu.mt/medinst/geography/index.html and the course description at http://home.um.edu.mt/medinst/geography/descriptions.html#geo235.

Students and staff are requested to contact Maria Attard on maria.attard@um.edu.mt if you require further information on courses or credits available. Please also contact us if you require customised credits for your department/faculty or to conduct any projects using GIS technology. We would be pleased to help.

GIS facilities at the University of Malta

The Geography Division, in collaboration with the Computing Services Centre is pleased to provide the services of GIS facilities at the University. The GIS Lab, situated in the library basement offers the facilities of using GIS software. This is found in the GIS Lab/Lab C. Bookings are required to use the facilities. In addition to the software installed on the lab machines at CSC, there are other complementary facilities offered. These include colour printing up to A3 size, scanning and the use of digitising tablets. Booking for these facilities is also required. Please contact CSC reception or write to support@csc.um.edu.mt for further information on using the facilities.

updated 05.02.02