Core Skills in GIS | GEOG6061 | University of Southampton

Module overview

This module is intended to provide foundational GIS skills for various Masters-levels programmes (such as the MSc in Applied GIS and Remote Sensing and MSc in Sustainability). It is intended to introduce Geographical Information Systems and Science to those with no prior experience and to consolidate the knowledge of those who have previously taken one or more introductory GIS modules. It provides the foundation for further studies in GIS at more advanced levels. The module is very applied in its nature, with a large component of hands-on practical work which is used to expand and reinforce material taught in lectures.

Linked modules

Co-requisite for GEOG6095

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Identify and discuss present and future developments in GIS.
Discuss various ideas of what a Geographical Information System is and how it works.
Know a range of techniques for interpolation and multi-criteria evaluation
Communicate results clearly in visual and written form.
Evaluate key concepts underpinning Geographical Information Science.
Retrieve, format, input, integrate and organise data from multiple sources in a GIS.
Use GIS as a tool to perform standard spatial analysis of data.
Evaluate conceptual models of spatial data.
Conduct information processing (including IT skills): literature searches
Justify selection of presentation techniques to achieve clear display of spatial data.
Examine, manage, manipulate and display data using GIS technology.
Problem solve.
Conduct data manipulation (including IT skills): analysis of data (especially spatial data), image analysis.
Demonstrate understanding of the practical implications of building up a geodatabase
Know best practice for examining and managing data quality and uncertainty.

Syllabus

Introduction to the module and to core concepts in GIS

Principles of visualising geospatial data

Geographic referencing systems

Sources of geospatial data

Principles of GIS data storage

Analytical operations in GIS

Open data, open source, big data: trends and issues

Methods of interpolation

Uncertainty and accuracy assessment

Multiple Criteria Evaluation

GIS project management

Module summary

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

This module is delivered through a series of 1 hour lectures (incorporating class discussion) and linked 2-3 hour practicals. Practicals will be self-paced, with supervision, with materials provided online. Students will be expected to do considerable independent reading to supplement the taught sessions. Help sessions are scheduled to provide assistance for each of the assignments.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	100
Teaching	50
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Software requirements. Students will use ArcGIS and standard office software. ArcGIS is available on-campus or available through iSolutions for installation on students’ own PCs.

All online materials for this module are provided through Blackboard..

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assignment	50%
Assignment	50%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework assignment(s)	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External