Core Skills in GIS

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Indicative topics are likely to include:

Introduction to the module and 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

Methods of interpolation

Uncertainty and accuracy assessment

Multiple Criteria Evaluation

Teaching and learning methods

This module is delivered through a series of lectures (incorporating class discussion) and linked 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.

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..

Summative

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

Referral

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

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External