Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
GS23600
Module Title
Visualisation and Analysis of Geographical Data
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Numerical data analysis Semester 1: Presentation and statistical analysis of geoscience data set 1500 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | GIS Written report Semester 2: Presentation of computer based GIS data analysis. (1500 words + Analysis Diagram and Flowchart) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | GIS Written report Presentation of computer based GIS data analysis. 1500 words + Analysis Diagram and Flowchart (Resubmisstion of failed component) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Numerical data analysis Presentation and statistical analysis of geoscience data set 1500 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe and explain the underlying concepts of manipulating and representing numerical and spatial data.
Demonstrate skills in probability-based evaluation of population difference through computer-based statistical sample comparison
Develop an understanding of the nature of bivariate relationships through computer-based application of regression and correlation analysis
Select and apply appropriate techniques for the collection and processing of geographic spatial data in various forms within a GIS
Integrate spatial geographical data from a range of sources for practical applications
Critically evaluate the scientific methodologies of analysing geographic spatial data
Brief description
The module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to allow them to undertake analysis of numerical and spatial data sets in geography, earth and environmental sciences. The first part of the course focusses on the presentation, description and statistical analysis of numerical datasets. A range of quantitative methods are covered, beginning with descriptive statistics and progressing onto inferential techniques and correlation. The second part of the module focusses on spatial data sets, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial data manipulation and analysis is becoming an ever more important component of geographical and environmental data analysis and has application within a broad range of careers and industries. The module has a strong focus on the practical implementation of numerical methods for exploring data and GIS for exploring spatially resolved data sets. It is expected that following the completion of this module students will be comfortable using statistical packages, and using GIS software and manipulating spatial data, relevant for future careers in geographical disciplines.
In both sections of the module, and combination of lectures and practical exercises are used to provide an overview of the aims and theory of the methods, and to give students the opportunity to undertake these analyses themselves.
In both sections of the module, and combination of lectures and practical exercises are used to provide an overview of the aims and theory of the methods, and to give students the opportunity to undertake these analyses themselves.
Content
This module will cover a broad range of topics in statistics and GIS both in terms of theory and practice in their following areas:
- Exploring the power and value of numerical data analysis
- Types of quantitive data
- Applying descriptive statistics
- Inferential statistical methods
- Graphing numerical data
- Inputting and digitising data for GIS
- Mapping and visualisation of spatial data
- Manipulation of vector and raster datasets
- Geo-referencing, coordinate systems and map projections
In most cases topics will be introduced by a lecture followed by practical sessions where students will actively undertake analysis of data sets themselves
- Exploring the power and value of numerical data analysis
- Types of quantitive data
- Applying descriptive statistics
- Inferential statistical methods
- Graphing numerical data
- Inputting and digitising data for GIS
- Mapping and visualisation of spatial data
- Manipulation of vector and raster datasets
- Geo-referencing, coordinate systems and map projections
In most cases topics will be introduced by a lecture followed by practical sessions where students will actively undertake analysis of data sets themselves
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Assignment and practical sessions require the manipulation of numerical data. |
| Communication | Presentation of data analysis results and interpretation through two written reports. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The computer based practicals go alongside the assignment where the students are working and improving their data analysis week by week forming the basis for their assignment. |
| Information Technology | The assignment is reliant on the application of statistical and GIS software packages to aid the interpretation of the geographic data. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Knowledge of careers in GIS is specifically covered. |
| Problem solving | Computer-based interpretation of spatial and geographical environmental datasets. |
| Research skills | Write up of computer based data analysis for the assignment providing details on the methods used and results of the analysis. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Specific skills in interpretation of numerical and spatial data analysis for geographical and enviromental applications. |
| Team work | It is expected that students will support each other during the practical sessions which helps to promote team working skills. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5