Module Information
Module Identifier
GG32820
Module Title
Geographical Information Systems
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 6 x 2 Hour Lectures |
| Practical | 9 x 2 Hour Practicals |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 3500 word assignment based on the completed laboratories and fieldwork. | 50% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed coursework | 50% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Describe and explain the underlying concepts within a GIS.
- Select and apply appropriate techniques for the collection and processing geographic spatial data in various forms within a GIS
- Use commercial GIS software.
- Integrate spatial geographical data from a range of sources for practical application
- Critically evaluate the scientific methodologies used in GIS
Brief description
The module will provide an introduction to the concepts of GIS and practical experience in collecting, entering, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Vocational training will be given in the collection of environmental (field) data and the use of commercial GIS (ArcMap) software, both of which will contribute to essay based assessment of the module.
Content
Lectures (5):
- Introduction to GIS and data entry
- Coordinate Systems and Map Projections
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Digital Elevations Models and Hydrology
- Spatial data on the internet and World Wide Web.
- Introduction to ArcGIS - User interface and data entry (Revision from Levels 1 and 2)
- GPS Forest Inventory - Field visit to Penglais wood.
- Statistical data manipulation and data entry and fusion.
- Digitising from aerial photos and attribution of features and integration with DigiMap.
- Vector Data and its manipulation. (2 laboratories)
- Raster Data and its manipulation.
- Digital Elevation Models, ArcMap hydrology tools and 3D visualisation
- Worked through `real world example (e.g., environmental impact assessment). (2 laboratories).
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Use of mathematics in computer-based programming within a geographic information system and spreadsheet software |
| Communication | Suitable presentation of spatial data in the form of maps |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Completion of comprehensive GIS laboratories and reading of literature |
| Information Technology | Use of computers for the manipulation of geographical data with a geographic information system. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Knowledge of careers in GIS |
| Problem solving | Computer-based analysis of geographical data |
| Research skills | Field data collection, computer-based learning of GIS skills and analysis of resulting datasets |
| Subject Specific Skills | Specialist skills in GIS analysis |
| Team work | Collection and input of field data |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6