GIS for Geologists - 2025 entry

This module introduces you to the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in geology. This is an essential requirement for accreditation and a strong selling point for most geological employment. The software you will use includes ArcGIS but may introduce other packages. This module trains you to produce high quality cartographic outputs and GIS databases that can be used to inform decision making. 

This module can link to field and exploration techniques module CSM3151.

The aim of the module is to provide you with a practical introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Science for use as a Geoscientist. You will build on the introductory GIS skills that you have gained from the CSM2184. This module will develop your ability to use core GIS skills, concepts, and techniques in a range of applied scenarios enabling you to assess, quantify and test the significance of patterns and spatial relationships of environmental and geological features. 

Practical sessions are progressive and build on your skills to increase your independence in problem solving. 

• What is a GIS? – we will uncover fundamentals to geographic information science such as the structure of a GIS, data inputs, hardware and software requirements, and the potential uses of GIS;  
• Types of mapping data and visualisation – we will explore the different data types used in GIS (e.g., raster, vector);
• Data management and database design – effective management and storage of data is essential to maximise outputs from GIS, as is the structure of data inputs into GIS work flow charts to plan GIS analyses and trouble-shooting data for analysis;
• Coordinate systems and projections – understanding the difference between geographic and measured coordinates and the difference types of cartographic projection and cadastral datasets is fundamental to facilitating global use of GIS, allowing you to work anywhere in the world;
• Remote Sensing – the basics of remote sensing, sources of satellite imagery and uses of remote sensing data in the geosciences. This will also cover the theories and methods of earth observation from aircraft and orbital satellites for geoscientific research;
• Qualitative vs. quantitative queries and models – we will explore the differences between subjective visual assessment of maps vs. numeric analysis of GIS datasets (concepts such as multi-criteria evaluation and interpolation);
• Case studies (combining satellite imagery, geological mapping, and DEM data for fluent set-up and use of GIS for the geosciences): 

1. GIS for mineral exploration and prospectivity mapping – for example, visualising geology and major geological structures, and interpreting soil and stream geochemical data in this context. This will also involve an introduction to fuzzy logic;
2. GIS for environmental management and planning – for example, modelling terrain, hydrology, ecology and land use;
3. GIS for risk analysis and natural hazards – for example, modelling terrain and water levels (floodplains or coastal regions) or modelling of volcanic hazards; 

• Three dimensional (3D) GIS – uses of 3D databases and using 3D GIS in geoscience.