290706 LP Capstone Project (2025W)

The subject of the capstone project is the practical and project-related exploration of a current topic in spatial data science. The project brings together the areas of storytelling and spatio-temporal data analysis.

Using an applied, structured approach for creating scientific reports, students work in groups of three or four to analyze a spatio-temporal issue and prepare a scientific report over the course of the semester. The scientific and thematic focus is on the visual narration of spatio-temporal data.

The seminar follows these steps:

1. **Topic Selection and Initial Research**: Students select their data and topic related to the main topic of the project defined by lecturer, discuss its relevance and scope, and conduct preliminary research to frame their project.
2. **Data Collection**: Groups identify and gather relevant spatio-temporal data related to their chosen topic.
3. **Data Analysis and Interpretation**: Students analyze the collected data, interpret the results, and draw conclusions.
4. **Development of the Cartographic Product**: Based on their analysis, students develop a visual representation of their findings.
5. **Presentation and Reporting**: Students present their results to the class and submit a comprehensive scientific report detailing their methodology, analysis, and conclusions.

The learning objectives are:

1. Apply theories and methods from geoinformation and geovisualization to a practical case study. Students draw on what they have already learned in their studies as well as on newly presented topics.
2. Create and evaluate a narrative cartographic product in their project.
3. Develop skills in scientific research, data analysis, and report writing.

In the implementation of the projects, students are free to choose the data, technologies, methods, and analyses.

The lectures include:

- **Theoretical Inputs**: Covering storytelling with maps and spatio-temporal data.
- **Methodological Inputs**: Focused on scientific research methods, data analysis techniques, and effective reporting.
- **Guided Group Work Sessions**: Facilitating collaboration and problem-solving within groups.
- **Presentations and Feedback**: Opportunities for students to present their progress and receive constructive feedback.
- **Independent Work and Consultation**: Providing time for students to work independently and consult with the instructor as needed.

Each student or group keeps a process protocol in which the progress of the project is documented from the beginning, and weekly assignments are completed to ensure steady progress.