GIS and Environmental Applications

GEOG60951 GIS and Environmental Applications 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Richard Figueroa Alfaro Unit coordinator Geography 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 <div>Geographical Information Science and Systems are now at the heart of much environmental research. This is true whether research is conducted from with the ‘home’ discipline of Geography or from an array of aligned areas and conducted by universities, agencies or the public sector. Increasingly considered as a distinct way of doing science, it is important to have knowledge of both GIS principles and their application to real-world problems and issues. This unit provides a foundation in such theory and practice covering spatial concepts, representations and problem-solving skills. The material underpins the remainder of the MSc Geographical Information Science and provides a foundation for students interested in research in environmental fields, human-environment issues and processes and core physical geography applications. The general principles are also relevant for students interested in other areas of geographic enquiry involving spatial data, spatial analysis and associated analytics.</div> <div><div>Geographical Information Science and Systems are now at the heart of much environmental research. This is true whether research is conducted from with the ‘home’ discipline of Geography or from an array of aligned areas and conducted by universities, agencies or the public sector. Increasingly considered as a distinct way of doing science, it is important to have knowledge of both GIS principles and their application to real-world problems and issues. This unit provides a foundation in such theory and practice covering spatial concepts, representations and problem-solving skills. The material underpins the remainder of the MSc Geographical Information Science and provides a foundation for students interested in research in environmental fields, human-environment issues and processes and core physical geography applications. The general principles are also relevant for students interested in other areas of geographic enquiry involving spatial data, spatial analysis and associated analytics.</div></div>  <div> To provide students with a foundation in the principles and practice of using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in environmental research.</div>   The theory and practice covered in this unit are highly relevant for developing employability skills for a range of public, private and other roles outside of the university sector. For example, spatial data analysis is core to activities in environmental agencies, local and central government, consultancies and many businesses.Furthermore project design, data management and technical communication, including through map production is also relevant as generic transferable skills. <ul><li>An understanding of key GIS and spatial analysis principles (normally including spatial interpolation, density estimation, distance functions and overlay using multi-criteria techniques).</li><li>An appreciation of the principles and methods associated with automating GIS tasks. Knowledge of a range of environmental applications of GIS; and knowledge of GIS project design.</li></ul> <ul><li>Skills in handling and applying technical concepts.</li><li>Skills in critical assessment and evaluation of GIS data, analysis, and results.</li><li>Enhanced skills in spatial thinking and research skills.</li></ul> <ul><li>Extended practical skills in GIS.</li><li>Skills in importing a range of geospatial data from external repositories.</li><li>Enhanced abilities to prepare and deliver a GIS analysis project, including producing and delivering map outputs, geospatial metadata and GIS logic charts.</li></ul> <ul><li>Experience of communicating and expressing geographical ideas and results in written and visual (map-based) form.</li><li>Report-writing and spatial data handling and management.</li><li>Employability skills.</li></ul> Other The theory and practice covered in this unit are highly relevant for developing employability skills for a range of public, private and other roles outside of the university sector. For example, spatial data analysis is core to activities in environmental agencies, local and central government, consultancies and many businesses. Furthermore project design, data management and technical communication, including through map production is also relevant as generic transferable skills. Session 1: Introduction to GIS; Session 2: Spatial analysis techniques, Interpolation and density estimation; Session 3: Working with the vector model; Session 4: Working with the raster data model; Session 5: Introduction to Blocks 3 & 4; Session 6: Study Week (no class); Session 7: Building GIS applications; Session 8: Introduction to zonal and cluster analysis; Session 9: Automated Land Use Regression; Session 10: Progress meeting; Session 11: Progress meeting; Session 12: Review.Note: It is strongly advised that students wishing to take this unit have access to a suitable computer for private study. <ul><li>There are 3 hours per week of timetabled sessions with a mix of lectures and practicals in computer labs. Lectures include some Q&A elements with small tasks to re-enforce learning of key ideas. Practicals have supporting workbooks which can be completed as private study following scheduled classes, as required.</li><li>Assessment questions are included in the workbooks for Assignment 1. In some weeks timetabled slots may be optional, e.g. practical surgeries or allocated for progress meetings. Otherwise attendance is required. In slots allocated to progress meetings contact time with the lecturer/demonstrator is not for the full session.</li><li>Additional opportunities for assistance and clarification are available throughout the semester through regular office consultation hours. These are open drop-in sessions.</li><li>The unit is supported by a VLE e-learning site through which students can obtain copies of presentations, practical handouts and data. Reading lists and materials for further independent work are also provided through the VLE e-learning site.</li><li>Teaching will use ArcGIS Pro version 3.1. The GIS software package and version will be confirmed at the start of the unit and the convener reserves the right to teach the unit with a different software package if necessary.</li><li>The course is normally delivered entirely within a suitable computer laboratory. For students not able to be on campus, a remote cluster log-in option is available using the Citrix system.</li></ul>  6 Project output (not diss/n) 60% 8 Practical skills assessment 40% Formative Assessment TaskF1: Submission of work associated with the non-assessed practical. The non-assessed practical is in a similar style to the following assessed practical. Deadline Week 2. Mix of short-and longer answers with map/chart deliverables (1000 words). Verbal feedback, individual marks and written comments (Week 4). Supports students in developing skills for assessment A1.Assessment taskA1: Submission of a practical write-up based on the practicals completed as part of Block 2. Deadline Week 5. Mix of short-and longer answers with map/chart deliverables (1200 words). Verbal feedback, individual marks and written comments (Week 9). 40%.A2: The design, preparation and delivery of a GIS analysis project on an environmental topic. Deadline Week 12. 1800 words report with map outputs Individual marks and written comments within 15 working days of submission. 60%.   There are no prerequisites. However, absolute beginners who are interested in ArcGIS training are not encouraged to take the unit. All University-registered students can access ESRI training materials for independent study. For more information please contact the School’s GIS & Remote Sensing Officer. MSc Env.Montrng, Modlng & Reco MSc Env.Montrng, Modlng & Reco PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Env.Montrng, Modlng & Reco MSc Env.Montrng, Modlng & Reco PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc GIS MSc GIS PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc GIS MSc GIS PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Green Infrastructure MSc Green Infrastructure PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Green Infrastructure MSc Green Infrastructure PT PGDT Taught Component Optional Y No Two text books cover core themes which are supplemented by additional reading through the course:Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. & Carver, S. (2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Fourth Edition, Prentice Hall : Harlow.Longley, P. A. Goodchild, M. F. Maguire, D. J. and Rhind, D. W. (2015) Geographic Information Science and Systems, John Wiley and Sons: Chichester Fourth Edition. Demonstration 2 Lectures 11 Practical classes & workshops 14 Supervised time in studio/wksp 8 0 115