Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. To
understand the fundamental concepts of a GIS and its uses and applications. To gain hands-on experience of using a GIS to solve real-world problems.

This module introduces students to Geographical Information Systems, the concepts behind them,
and associated data types and formats. The module aims to demonstrate how GIS uses a wide
range of data to analyse data spatially and produce stunning visual outputs. It aims to introduce
students to the ways that GIS we analyse data to look for spatial correlations and patterns, to
understand geographical processes, and link data that shares a spatial location. The module aims to
give students practical experience of using the latest commercial GIS programs and accessing
geospatial data.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture content covers:

What is GIS?: Who uses it, why they use it, what you can do? What is special about spatial? Data
models for Spatial data: Discrete vs continuous field mapping;
Thematic Mapping: types of thematic maps, uses of thematic maps, classification models for
thematic maps;
Continuous data: Sampling and interpolation, DTMs, heights and volumes; Vector Data Attributes
and databases: Data management and attribute data;
Data formats and data providers: standards, common formats, data providers (formal and informal);
Processing and modelling in GIS;
Visualisation, cartographic design and output from GIS.

Practicals cover:
Getting started in ArcGIS Pro Accessing spatial data Cartographic basics Introducing spatial analysis
Further spatial analysis (Raster analysis, interpolation, reclassification, MCE) Working with 3D data
Creating spatial data Analysing data.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A grounding in the basic concepts that underpin GIS and geographical analysis
A thorough understanding of the data types that underpin GIS analysis
An appreciation of the types of processes and models that can be used in GIS
An introduction to the format, types and providers of spatial data
Knowledge of the types of outputs that GIS can produce
An awareness of the different ways to represent the real world in a GIS (raster, vector, 2D, 3D)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to navigate GIS software, access data, and work with different data formats
Ability to plan a GIS project
Ability to work with GIS data to solve specific problems
Production and presentation of map outputs

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students are introduced to core concepts in lectures and these concepts are then explored further and practised
through practical sessions, which includes 2 assessed practicals. The practicals have been developed to enable the students to work independently and the practicals before each coursework submission will be on-campus. Each
practical session has a submission that repeats the core exercises carried out in the session. A series of Canvas tests will check knowledge after lecture/practical pairs.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students' understanding and knowledge of core theoretical factors underpinning the management, analysis and
presentation of spatial data is assessed through a digital examination. Intended skills and a practical, working knowledge of data and software is assessed through assessed practical work.

Students are introduced to core concepts in lectures and this is practised through formative practical classes, two assessed practical and a larger independent piece of work. The practicals have been developed to enable the students to work independently. The practicals develop core skills to foster independent learning and exploration. These are assessed through a GIS project that allows students to utilise the tools, processes and data introduced in the module in a holistic manner.

General Notes

Part of this module is taught to Stage 2 Geography and Stage 1 Geomatics. Software used: ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel