Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
EAM3720
Module Title
SPATIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Professor Richard Lucas
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 8 x 2 hours 2 x 8 hours fieldwork
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Coursework: journal style fieldwork report based on planning, acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of thematic layers and field data (4000 words)  50%
Semester Exam 3 hour written examination (1 hour short answer and 2 x 1 hour essays) on spatial data analysis and interpretation.  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed assignment  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Identify main sources of GIS data and their use for particular applications.
  2. Demonstrate and explain the functionality of GIS software and appropriately select tools for specific applications.
  3. Display and analyse spatial data in both two and three dimensions and develop spatial models of dynamic processing.
  4. Proficiency in programming using python
    5. 5. Undertake field studies to support the collection of GIS data.

Brief description

The module will introduce the students to advanced procedures in the analysis of spatial data, including within the framework of a GIS. The course focuses particularly on the more complex functionality of GIS systems, providing theory and hands on experience in relevant software. Programming of spatial data is also taught and field work is undertaken, providing students with experience in operating field equipment.

Content

10 x 2 hour practicals
Advanced GIS procedures
Network analysis
Geostatistics
Programming in python
Use of field devices (e.g., GPS).
Fieldwork skills

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Quantitative analysis of GIS data and problem solving assignments.
Communication Skills in report writing and submission of a discussion paper. Discussion groups within the blackboard teaching and learning environment
Improving own Learning and Performance Literature review and discussions with lecturers
Information Technology Use of commerical,open source and in house software for practical applications. specific skills in programming and statistical analysis.
Personal Development and Career planning Awareness of scientific literature, functionality of software and programming. provision of advice and information for careers.
Problem solving Use of GIS for spatial analysis; selection of datasets, implementation of appropriate analysis techniques and interpretation of spatial data.
Research skills Basic strategies relating to spatial data sources, data integration and processing withi n the framework of a GIS and effective analysis and interpretation of spatial data,, field data collection using GPS and other new technologies (e.g., terrestrial laser scanners). Programming within python.
Subject Specific Skills As above
Team work Fieldwork will be undertaken in groups who will be involved in decisions relating to data collection, analysis and interpretation

Reading List

Essential Reading
Burrough, P.A. & McDonnell, R.A. (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems Oxford University Press Primo search Chang, K. (2011) Introduction to GIS Goodwill Primo search Dent, B.D. (1999) Cartography: Thematic Map Design 5th edition WCB McGraw-Hill, Boston Primo search Harvey, F. (2008) A primer of GIS: Fundamental Geographic and Cartographic Concepts Primo search Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S. (2006) An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Prentice Hall Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7