Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology
| Module title | Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology |
|---|---|
| Module code | GEO2333 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Damien Mansell (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 72 |
|---|
Module description
Mapping has undergone a geospatial revolution in recent years through the development of sophisticated Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and online web mapping tools. In this module you will develop understanding of theoretical and practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and present a range of geographically referenced data in a GIS environment. These skills are important across all sectors in business, government, and science. This module provides training in industry-standard software packages for spatial data analysis, thereby enhancing future employability of the student. Underpinning theory and core concepts in cartography and spatial thinking is explained through delivered content and then applied to real physical geography data in practical assignments. Learning is facilitated through use of bespoke materials written by the module convenors and continuous feedback on progress is provided.
You must pass this module in order to take GEO2321 Introduction to Remote Sensing.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The overall aims of this module are:
- to enhance capacity for research;
- to increase understanding of spatial data collection and analysis;
- to develop specific skills in the use of sophisticated software (ArcPro) used both in Geographical research and also widely throughout the public and private sectors.
Learning takes place through a series of research projects. Through these, you will develop a good understanding of the opportunities and constraints on the implementation of these analytical tools. You are encouraged to quantitatively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these research methods and spatial data within the particular context of selected geographical phenomena. You also develop analytical and report writing skills that are in high demand beyond the university and the discipline. Hence, this module will help you to develop and extend your awareness of the importance of taught and learnt skills in strengthening your employability potential.
The delivery of this module is through supported research-led learning. The techniques taught include those that are used in research undertaken by module staff such as landscape changes, spatial analysis and story maps as an assessment tool (Mansell).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply tools in the ESRI Geographical Information System to perform spatial analysis in a technically competent manner
- 2. Present maps and geospatial analysis in the form of a story map containing, dynamic and static maps and interactive elements
- 3. Collect, edit and analyse spatial data
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Analyse spatial data to make quantitative insights
- 5. Quantify changes in the landscape and evaluate results appropriately in context of data uncertainty
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Formulate and evaluate questions and identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving
- 7. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently through maps, story-maps, interactive online tools and written means
Syllabus plan
Introduction to GIS
- Develop good practice in data file management and keeping records of your data files, techniques, concepts and understanding
- Story Map: Assessing historic river channel change with GIS
- Mapping project: Topographic analysis of geomorphology, canyons and rivers with ArcGIS
Within these projects some or all of the following topics will be covered:
- Investigating environmental change with GIS and historical data
- Data and spatial analysis in geography
- GPS surveys and analysis of spatial change with vector data
- Image georeferencing and analysis using ArcGIS
- analysis of spatial change with vector data
- GIS representation of channel morphology, networks, river basins and change
- Digital elevation models and analysis
- GIS in your future: study, research, and employment
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 124 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 14 | Scheduled practicals and experiments, supervised |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Field class |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Virtual contact through online learning and forum discussions |
| Guided Independent Study | 5 | Concepts and applications introduced through video content |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Priority access session |
| Guided Independent Study | 75 | Computer work in support of practicals and project work |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Reading and research |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer practical outputs | 2-hour practicals | 1-7 | Throughout the course orally through staff and peer evaluation |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story Map | 100 | 2000 word limit, plus specified figure requirements as outlined in the practical hand-outs | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Map | 2000 words, plus specified figure requirements as outlined in the practical hand-outs | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss the assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. The deferred assessment is the same as the original given the original contribution required from your analysis, in particular with a case study of your choice in the final element.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page
- Albrecht, J. (2007) Key concepts and techniques in GIS, Los Angeles, London Sage. [electronic resource] http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2536082~S6
- Burrough, PA, McDonnell, R, (2015) Principles of geographical information systems. Oxford University Press, Oxford. http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b1680207~S6
- ESRI help (2014) ArcGIS resources, last accessed 22/01/2020 http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.2/
- Heywood, I., S. Cornelius, S. Carver (2006), An introduction to geographical information systems, 3rd Edition, Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall. [Electronic resource] http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2456793~S6
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/03/2014 |
| Last revision date | 28/02/2024 |
