Abstract:

Processing, classifying, and mapping cadastral data by using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are key skills for bachelor and master students with technical background (e.g. forestry and civil engineers, architects, etc.). For this reason, the bachelor and master programs at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid incorporates GIS, data processing, and mapping as relevant training competences for its students. However, certain barriers exist impeding students finally get the described skills, namely in the case of cadastral data. Those barriers are linked to the complexity of cadastral information, the limited teaching time spent in the existing training programs, and the need for pre-treating cadastral data before being ready to use with teaching purposes.

This research aims at using the QGIS plugin Cadastral Classifier (CC) ( https://transurban-uah.github.io/Cadastral_Classifier/) in the context of the Forestry Master students at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. This plugin allows processing cadastral data and classifying cadastral parcels using three levels of urban land use classification. We believe the use of CC may create an innovative interaction interface between academic staff, students, and cadastral information, increasing the capacity of the students to acquire skills related to managing, processing, and mapping spatial data. This hypothesis was tested through a teaching experiment where 12 students used CC to overcome existing barriers on the use of cadastral information. A specific questionnaire was used to capture students’ views.

The obtained results show that students understood better the complexity of cadastral information and its content. Most of students considered that the QGIS plugin strongly simplify data processing, saving time to gain insights into potential applications of such data during their professional life. Additional studies will be developed to consolidate these expletory findings, including students from other technical and social science backgrounds, such as: architectures, civil engineers, and geographers.

Keywords:

Open data and software, Geographic Information Systems, geodata processing competences.