Aims

To understand and apply the methods and techniques of representing locations and spatial information in scientific studies.

To appreciate the fundamental steps necessary to create and utilise maps and plans and other visualisations for a variety of applications.

Outline Of Syllabus

1)       Introduction to the applications requiring location-based information and the importance of representing and displaying location information, including positioning, visualisation and analysis.
2)       Utilities and services that enable locations to be displayed and used, including Google Earth/Maps, Ordnance Survey and national mapping agencies, European Space Agency, Openstreetmap, UN organisations.
3)       Representing location: maps and plans, scale, coordinates (including latitude and longitude) and datums.
4)       Accuracy requirements for measuring location: from km to mm depending on the application.
5)       Location-based concepts and techniques: Land Surveying, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Remote Sensing (including drones).
6)       Geospatial / location data collection introduction using the different techniques.
7)       Geospatial data types and formats, sources, and providers.
8)       Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS): location-based data visualisation and analysis.
9)       Application of tools and techniques covered in the module to global challenges, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals or Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures convey the core concepts, theories, and methods. Practicals enable the principles introduced in lectures to be put into practice, learned and assimilated through hands-on examples. The practicals have been developed to enable students to work independently and the practicals before each coursework submission will enable students to develop their submission. Clinics provide the opportunity for students to ask questions arising post-practicals and before submission deadlines. A series of Canvas tests will check knowledge after lecture/practical pairs.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Coursework write-ups of practicals provide an opportunity to consolidate this understanding and obtain feedback. The closed-book, timed exam provides the means for a student to individually demonstrate their cumulative knowledge and understanding gained as needed in future careers and the workplace.

The formative online mid-semester quiz provides a means of introducing the students to the style of exam later encountered, and an opportunity to test their understanding to date.