Module Information
Module Identifier
EAM2710
Module Title
FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Academic Year
2012/2013
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 X 1 hrs |
| Practical | 5 x 2 hrs |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Coursework: laboratory skills report based on analysis of spatial data within the framework of a GIS (2000 words) | 50% |
| Semester Exam | 2 hour written examination on GIS principles and applications. | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed assignment | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- List, describe and evaluate main sources of GIS data
- Explain the functionality of commercial and open source GIS software
- Design and implement basic routines for processing and analysing data within the framework of a GIS.
Brief description
The module provides an overview of basic GIS functionality and techniques through lectures and practicals, with focus on integrating and analysing vector and raster data within the framework of a GIS and introducing commonly available software including Google Earth. Key skills in GIS use are conveyed. Example applications from a range of disciplines will be used.
Content
5 x 1 hour lectures
5 x 2 hour practicals
Basic principles of GIS
Vector and raster datasets
Data sources and integration within a GIS
GIS analysis of landscapes
Web based mapping and use of Google Earth
5 x 2 hour practicals
Basic principles of GIS
Vector and raster datasets
Data sources and integration within a GIS
GIS analysis of landscapes
Web based mapping and use of Google Earth
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Quantitative analysis of GIS data |
| Communication | Discussions with fellow students in laboratories and through interactive lectures |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Literature review and discussions with lecturers |
| Information Technology | Use of commercial, open source and in house software |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Awareness of scientific literature, functionality of software and programming |
| Problem solving | Use of GIS for spatial analysis; selection of datasets and implementation of appropriate analysis techniques |
| Research skills | Using GIS software, programming within GIS and reviewing literature |
| Subject Specific Skills | As above |
| Team work | Practical assignments |
Reading List
Essential ReadingBurrough, 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