Module Identifier EAM1620  
Module Title ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Aled P Rowlands  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Mr Peter Bunting, Professor Richard M Lucas  
Pre-Requisite EAM1320  
Course delivery Practical   10 x 2 hours  
  Other   Field study visit (2 x 8 hours)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours Examination. Practical-based examination (3 hours)  50%
Semester Assessment Coursework. Fieldwork report based on planning, acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data obtained from the Cambrian Mountains (4000 words).  50%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Resit. No resit available if student failed to attend the fieldtrip without documented and approved special circumstances.  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission. Resubmit failed elements of coursework.  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

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

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.  
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.  
Team work Fieldwork will be undertaken in groups who collectively will be involved in the experimental design.  
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.  
Subject Specific Skills Use of GIS software.  

Reading Lists

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7