Aims

The module will cover the key theory of modern Geographical Information Science and how it is employed via Geographical Information System software to address real world applications in the fields of civil engineering, environmental sciences, geography and architecture. The module considers in detail the key stages involved in the capture, representation, management, analysis and visualisation of geographical data within modern Geographical Information Systems. The practical aspect of the module will allow students to apply the theory of Geographical Information Science to a number of applications. By the end of the module students will have the theory and practical skills to utilise and employ GIS in an independent manner within engineering, environmental, geographical (both physical and human) and planning/architecture fields of study.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will comprise a series of lectures that will cover the topics of: characteristics of geographical data and information, capture of geographical data and information, vector and raster models of geographical data representation, modern management of geographical data, digital map design and implementation, management and manipulation of thematic and categorical data, geographical data generalisation, the standard analysis toolbox (buffer, overlay, selection), management and manipulation of environmental data, 3D-data representation and management, terrain representation and analysis, network models and analysis, map output and publishing, visualisation of geographical data and information.

Practicals will support the taught material and allow students to develop a series of small real-world applications. Practicals will cover aspects of loading and structuring data within a GIS, GIS data management tasks, editing geographical data, working with points, lines and polygon features, analysis of thematic and environmental data-sets, terrain analysis in GIS, network analysis in GIS, cartographic presentation and visualisation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to present the underlying theory of GIS with an emphasis on choosing appropriate methods in relation to dedicated applications. Practical sessions will allow students to apply the theory in relation to real world GIS applications. Small group teaching activities act as a workshop environment for students to relate the taught material on data collection and spatial data models to real world problems of design in GIS. Students are set a number of scenarios in groups and asked to develop a short presentation on how they would tackle the data collection and representation of data for the scenario in question.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The practical report will assess computational skills, understanding of algorithms and quantitative skills. Progress in non-assessed practicals will be confirmed by formative assessments to be completed within the practical session. The exam/ seminar synopsis report will develop independent research and critical review skills and assess ability to synthesise and present information.