Undergraduate Course: Principles of Geographical Information Science (GEGR10039)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides an essential background for students with limited knowledge of Geographic Information Science and as a foundation for other courses. The module begins by tracing the origins and recent rapid development of GIS and outlines linkages with other related technologies. Principles covered include co-ordinate reference systems, map projections and the different models that GIS employ to represent real-world entities. Also considered are the effects that these models and the analytical functionality of systems have on the information that can be derived. Vector and raster data models are explained and there is an introduction to representing and analysing 3D, terrain data. Various case studies are used to highlight various types of analysis typically performed using GIS. Basic elements of graphic design and communication are reviewed to ensure that output from GIS is comprehensible and effective. The module concludes by addressing the wider social and economic factors that influence the success or failure of GIS in an institution. |
| Course description |
Wk1: GIS and Geography -systems and science, computer based problem solving, the development of GI science, its impact on the geographic discipline.
Wk2: Representing geographical data via Data Models
Wk3: Spatial Analysis and Geographic Decision Making
Wk 4: A primer on Map Design
Wk 5: Data Capture Technologies and Data Quality
Wk 6: No Lecture (Kindrogan fieldcourse)
Wk 7: Surface Modelling and analysis of Digital Elevation Models
Wk 8: Exploring the role of Remote Sensing in monitoring at the global scale
Wk 9: Participatory GIS
Wk 10: Exploration of socio-technical issues through case studies
Wk 11: Revision Future Developments and Course Review
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 34 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 22,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 2,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
170 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Class assessment:
Non Assessed Essay 1500 words, Set week 1.
Non Assessed Design Document, Set in Week 2, discussed in tutorials in Wk3.
Degree assessment:
One computer-based GIS project (2000 words) 40% set week 2
One two-hour examination (2 questions) 60%
Overall mark for the course (ie degree coursework and examinations) of at least 40 to pass |
| Feedback |
An essay is set early in the course as a means of providing formative feedback on the comprehension of ideas. This non assessed essay encourages students to learn about GIS through discussion of case studies.
¿TopHat¿ interactive question answering will be used to gauge student comprehension during the lecture https://tophat.com/.
The course organiser is available via email william.mackaness@ed.ac.uk, phone 01316508163 and Thursday morning office hours 8am-10am (except week 6). |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Principles of Geographical Information Science | 2:00 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand the components and a range of the methods which make up geographical information systems and the field of geographical information science
- display knowledge of the multifarious data sources commonly used in GIS, and critically understand the importance of data modelling in the storage of such data
- appreciate the functionality of the ArcGIS software, including basic expertise in anlysis, classification, query and integration of vector and raster data and its visualisation
- apply appropriate cartographic principles in the construction of maps (including an appreciation of map projections)
- develop an integrated practical project, drawing on appropriate source data, providing meaningful analysis, effective visualisation of output and drawing appropriate conclusions which demonstrate professional level insight
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Reading List
Class Text
1. Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S. (2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Prentice Hall, Fourth Edition.
A supplementary start point for the course
2. Schmandt, M. GIS Commons: An introductory textbook on Geographic Information Systems
3. free web enabled resource: http://giscommons.org/
Textbooks complimentary to class text
1. de Smith, M Goodchild M F Longley P A 2015 Geospatial Analysis A Comprehensive Guide to Principles Techniques and Software tools. Third edition
free web enabled resource: http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/index.html
2. Burrough P A, McDonnell R A & Lloyd C.D. (2015) Principles of Geographical Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment. Oxford: Clarendon. Third Edition.
3. Longley P A, Goodchild M F, Maguire D J and Rhind D W (eds) (2010) Geographical Information Systems and Science. Chichester: Wiley. 3rd Edition.
4. Stillwell, J., Clarke, G. 2003 Applied GIS and Spatial Analysis (edited volume) John Wiley
5. Longley, P.A., Batty, M. 2003 Advanced Spatial Analysis: The CASA Book of GIS
6. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/16752/
Periodicals:
1. JOSIS, http://www.josis.org/
2. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, http://www.tandfonline.com/
3. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems (CEUS),
4. www.journals.elsevier.com/computers-environment-and-urban-systems
5. Transactions in GIS, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
6. Cartography and GIS http://www.cartogis.org/ |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | GEGR10039 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr William Mackaness
Tel: (0131 6)50 8163
Email: Jamie.Morton@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Kirsty Allan
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: |
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