Semantic Modelling from edX

As part of our “Spatial Computational Thinking” program, this “Semantic Modelling” course focuses on augmenting geometric models with an additional layer of semantic data. You will learn how geometric entities can be tagged with additional attribute values of different data types, and how these attributes can then be used for querying your models.

During the course, you will build on the foundations developed in the previous course, where the focus was on procedural modelling using geometric entities. In this course, you will first discover that the geometric entities actually have a topological structure that allows you to manipulate these models at a much deeper level.

You will then learn how to add semantics to your models, thereby allowing you to create data-rich spatial information models. This will allow you to apply powerful procedural data modelling techniques, especially the ability to query your semantic model and extract subsets of information.

In the process, you will also further develop your coding skills in the semantic world of computer science. You will revisit the loops and conditional and discover how these can be nested to create more complex control flows. You will also discover how list and dictionary data structures can be nested to create more complex types of data structures.

The modelling exercises and assignments during this course will progress from where the previous course left off. The geometric complexity of the modelling exercises and assignments will increase, but more important is the addition of layers of attribute data to all type of geometric entities, including positions, topological components, geometric objects, and collections of geometric objects. You will also learn how to add attributes to define colour, materials, and other visual properties.

The course prepares you for the next course in the “Spatial Computational Thinking” program, focusing on generative modelling of more complex types of spatial information models.

What you'll learn

How semantics can be used to augment geometric models
The difference between geometry, topology, and attributes
How query languages can be used to extract data from models
Become familiar with a range of existing spatial data formats and representations
Modelling with geometry, topology, and collections
Attaching attribute data to geometry, topology, and collections
Querying and filtering data in the model using attributes
Pushing attributes through the topological hierarchy
Visualizing models with colour and materials
Understanding polygon normals and their impact on light
Importing and exporting geometric and geospatial data models
Developing complex data structures using nested lists and dictionaries
Using nested loops and nested conditionals
Strategies for looping: using a counter or iterating over a list?
How to avoid deep nesting of loops using data structures
The Möbius Spatial Information data model
The 3D viewer and the attribute tables
Interrogating models in the 3D viewer

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Teaches how procedural data modeling techniques can be applied to enrich semantic models

Introduces spatial data formats and representations

Enhances learners' coding skills in computer science

Useful for learners who wish to advance their studies in generative modelling of spatial information models

Emphasizes the addition of visual properties, such as color and materials

Taught by renowned instructors in the field

Career center

Learners who complete Semantic Modelling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computational Geospatial Analyst

Computational Geospatial Analysts are responsible for analyzing geospatial data to solve complex problems. They use their knowledge of geospatial technologies and programming to develop and implement solutions that help businesses and organizations make more informed decisions. The Semantic Modelling course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Computational Geospatial Analyst by teaching you how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course is especially valuable if you want to work in a field that uses geospatial data, such as environmental science, urban planning, or transportation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Geospatial Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their skills in data analysis and programming to help businesses and organizations make better decisions. They work with large datasets to identify trends and patterns, and they develop visualizations and reports that communicate their findings to stakeholders. The Semantic Modelling course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Analyst by teaching you how to build and query data models with attributes. This course is especially valuable if you want to work in a field that uses data analysis, such as marketing, finance, or healthcare.

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Geospatial Developer

Geospatial Developers use their knowledge of geospatial technologies and programming to develop and implement solutions that help businesses and organizations make more informed decisions about the use of space. They work with data that has a geographic component, such as maps, satellite imagery, and GPS data. The Semantic Modelling course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Geospatial Developer by teaching you how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course is especially valuable if you want to work in a field that uses geospatial data, such as environmental science, urban planning, or transportation.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts use their knowledge of GIS software and geospatial data to help businesses and organizations make better decisions. They work with maps and other geospatial data to identify trends and patterns, and they develop visualizations and reports that communicate their findings to stakeholders. The Semantic Modelling course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful GIS Analyst by teaching you how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course is especially valuable if you want to work in a field that uses GIS, such as environmental science, urban planning, or transportation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban Planners use their knowledge of land use planning and zoning to help communities design and develop their built environment. They work with stakeholders to create plans that promote economic development, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for residents. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Urban Planners by teaching them how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course could be especially valuable for Urban Planners who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists use their knowledge of the environment to solve problems and protect human health. They work on a variety of issues, such as climate change, pollution, and water quality. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Environmental Scientists by teaching them how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course could be especially valuable for Environmental Scientists who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data.

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Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners use their knowledge of transportation planning and engineering to help communities design and develop their transportation systems. They work with stakeholders to create plans that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Transportation Planners by teaching them how to build and query spatial models with attributes. This course could be especially valuable for Transportation Planners who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data.

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Software Developer

Software Developers use their knowledge of programming languages and software development tools to design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work on a variety of projects, such as websites, mobile apps, and enterprise software. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Software Developers who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Software Developers who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers use their knowledge of data engineering tools and technologies to design, build, and maintain data pipelines. They work on a variety of projects, such as data warehousing, data integration, and data analytics. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Data Engineers who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Data Engineers who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators use their knowledge of database management systems to design, implement, and maintain databases. They work with a variety of databases, such as relational databases, NoSQL databases, and cloud databases. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Database Administrators who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Database Administrators who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Information Architect

Information Architects use their knowledge of information architecture principles and tools to design and organize websites, intranets, and other information systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to create systems that are easy to use and understand. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Information Architects who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Information Architects who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Geographer

Geographers use their knowledge of geography and geospatial technologies to study the Earth and its human and environmental systems. They work on a variety of projects, such as mapping, environmental analysis, and urban planning. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Geographers who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Geographers who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers use their knowledge of UX design principles and tools to design and evaluate user interfaces. They work on a variety of projects, such as websites, mobile apps, and enterprise software. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for UX Designers who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for UX Designers who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of data science tools and techniques to extract insights from data. They work on a variety of projects, such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and data visualization. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Data Scientists who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Data Scientists who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

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Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Analysts use their knowledge of geospatial technologies and data to solve problems and make decisions. They work on a variety of projects, such as land use planning, environmental assessment, and natural resource management. The Semantic Modelling course may be helpful for Geospatial Analysts who want to work on projects that involve the use of geospatial data. This course could be especially valuable for Geospatial Analysts who want to learn how to build and query spatial models with attributes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

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