Module Information

Module Identifier
EAM1620
Module Title
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
To Be Arranged
Semester
Intended for use in future years
Pre-Requisite
EAM1320
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 10 x 2 hours
Other Field study visit (2 x 8 hours)
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Coursework.  Fieldwork report based on planning, acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data obtained from the Cambrian Mountains (4000 words).  50%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Examination.  Practical-based examination (3 hours)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission.  Resubmit failed elements of coursework.  50%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Resit.  No resit available if student failed to attend the fieldtrip without documented and approved special circumstances.  50%

Learning Outcomes

On 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 processes.
  4. Undertake field studies to support the collection of GIS data.

Content

Practicals 10 x 2 hours

  • Advanced GIS procedures
  • Viewshed analysis
  • Principles and construction of geodatabases; geocoding
  • Network analysis (2 lectures)
  • Geostatistics
  • Tracking analysis
  • Programming in GIS
  • Overview
Field trip (2 x 8 hours)

Brief description

The module will introduce the students to advanced procedures in GIS analysis and will cover a range of applications in physical geography. The course focuses particularly on the more complex functionality of GIS systems (e.g., network analysis, geostatistics), providing information on theory and hands-on experience with GIS software. Programming within a GIS environment is also introduced. The module also includes a field visit to the Cambrian Mountains during which insight into advanced methods of GIS data collection and analysis will be obtained.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Skills report writing and submission of a discussion paper. Discussion groups within the blackboard teaching and learning environment.
Improving own Learning and Performance Library and web-based referencing.
Information Technology Use of commercial GIS software for practical applications. Specific skills in programming and statistical analyses.
Personal Development and Career planning Provision of advice and information on careers.
Problem solving Computer programming and development of statistical skills.
Research skills Basic strategies relating to data sources and data collection, data integration and processing within the framework of a GIS and effective analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data. Field data collection.
Subject Specific Skills Use of GIS software.
Team work Fieldwork will be undertaken in groups who collectively will be involved in the experimental design.

Reading List

Recommended Text
Burrough, P.A. & McDonnell, R.A. (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems Oxford University Press Primo search Chang, K. (2006) Introduction to GIS Goodwill Primo search Dent, B.D. (1999) Cartography: Thematic Map Design 5th edition WCB McGraw-Hill, Boston Primo search Martin, D. (1996) Geographic Information Systems 2nd edition Routledge, London Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7