Module Information

Module Identifier
EAM3720
Module Title
Spatial Information Technologies
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Dr George Petropoulos
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
EAM4020
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 5 x 1 hours
Practical 12 x 2 hours (laboratory)
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Coursework: report based on analysis, interpretation and presentation of spatial data (4000 words)  50%
Semester Exam 3 hour written and practical examination 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

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.

Content

  1. Python programming
  2. Advanced GIS procedures
  3. Use of open source software tools
  4. Modelling with spatial data

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Quantitative analysis of GIS data and problem solving assignments.
Communication Skills 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 commercial, 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 within the framework of a GIS and effective analysis and interpretation of spatial data and new technologies. Programming within python.
Subject Specific Skills As above
Team work Undertaking practical laboratory sessions where ideas and solutions are shared.

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 Kennedy, Michael (2009) Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ARCGIS A workbook approach to learning John Wiley and Sons Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7