Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To understand and apply the methods and techniques of representing location and geospatial information in scientific studies.

To appreciate the fundamental steps necessary to create and utilise maps, plans and other visualisations for a variety of applications.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will include an introduction to the applications that require location-based information and the importance of representing and displaying location information. The conventional concepts of positioning, visualising location and geospatial information and spatial analysis will be introduced, together with the role and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in geospatial applications. The utilities and services that enable locations to be displayed and used, from commercial to open source and national mapping to international space agencies, will be covered, including understanding how location is represented differently by different utilities and the concepts of datums, coordinate systems, scale and mapping (cartography and visualisation).

Students will learn about the different location-based techniques, including data collection, which range from land surveying to Global Navigation Satellite Systems to remote sensing (including drones), and will understand the pros and cons when selecting the location-based technique with regards to accuracy requirements (application dependent) and the accuracy of the location information provided by the different geospatial techniques. The importance of data types, formats, data sources and data management will be covered.

The module will cover the application of geospatial tools and techniques in e.g cadastral surveying, engineering surveying, as well as global challenges, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals or Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be:
• capable of obtaining location information and comprehend the resulting applications that require
such data and the different accuracy requirements
• appreciate the methods, techniques and resulting data for representing and visualising location
information.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

• undertake location-based data collection
• display and visualise geospatial (location) information using a variety of tools
• identify and process appropriate geospatial (location) data to solve specific problems as often
needed in their project module.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures convey the core concepts, theories, and methods. Practicals enable the principles introduced in lectures to be put into practice, learned and assimilated through hands-on examples. The practicals have been developed to enable students to work independently and the practicals before each coursework submission will enable students to develop their submission. Clinics provide the opportunity for students to ask questions arising post-practicals and before submission deadlines. A series of Canvas tests will check knowledge after lecture/practical pairs.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Coursework write-ups of practicals provide an opportunity to consolidate this understanding and obtain feedback. The formative oral presentation will be a mid-way point to provide evidence and obtain feedback for the final submission. The closed-book, timed exam provides the means for a student to individually demonstrate their cumulative knowledge and understanding gained as needed in future careers and the workplace.

General Notes

N/A