Postgraduate Course: Principles of Geographical Information Science (Block1) (PGGE11067)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | Many areas of research in the Geosciences benefit from quantitative and spatial analysis techniques. Geographical Information Science (GIS) is concerned with the theory and application of computer based techniques to reason about, and solve, geographical problems. The range of applications include marketing, analysis of census data, and environmental problem solving applied across a range of scales from the local to the global. There are considerable challenges in modelling geographic phenomenon; what data should be recorded? How can different data be integrated? What types of analysis are appropriate and what generalisations can be inferred from our observations. This then, is an intensive five week, 10 credit course, providing a theoretical and practical introduction to GIS that variously covers these topics. |
| Course description |
This intensive course provides key knowledge for students with limited knowledge of Geographic Information Science. It seeks to build a theoretical and practical basis in the use of GIS technologies, and demonstrate how they can be variously applied. 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. Basic elements of graphic design and communication are reviewed to ensure that output from GIS is comprehensible and effective.
Syllabus
Week 1 GIS and Geography -systems and science, computer based problem solving, the development of GI science, its impact on the geographic discipline.
Week 2: Representing geographical data via Data Models
Week 3: Spatial Analaysis and Geographic Decision Making
Week 4: A primer on Map Design
Week 5: Data Capture Technologies and Data Quality
Practicals
The lectures are complimented by a series of computer based practicals and surgery sessions in which a series of ¿hands on¿ tutorials will enable students to gain first hand practical knowledge of how to use a GIS system. That knowledge is then used to complete a project in the form of a project design document, and a degree assessed GIS project.
Practical 1 ¿ ArcGIS ¿ an introduction to frames, layers, colours and symbols
Practical 2 ¿ Data acquisition, editing and management
Practical 3 ¿ Spatial analysis using raster datasets
Practical 4 ¿ Spatial analysis with vector data
Practical 5 ¿ Cartographic Design and Map projections
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the components and a range of 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 analysis, 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
Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S. (2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Prentice Hall, Fourth Edition.
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
Longley P A, Goodchild M F, Maguire D J and Rhind D W (eds) (2010) Geographical Information Systems and Science. Chichester: Wiley. 3rd Edition.
Stillwell, J., Clarke, G. 2003 Applied GIS and Spatial Analysis (edited volume) John Wiley
JOSIS, http://www.josis.org/
International Journal of Geographical Information Science, http://www.tandfonline.com/
Computers, Environment and Urban Systems (CEUS),
www.journals.elsevier.com/computers-environment-and-urban-systems
Transactions in GIS, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
Cartography and GIS http://www.cartogis.org/
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Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr William Mackaness
Tel: (0131 6)50 8163
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Karolina Galera
Tel: (0131 6)50 2572
Email: |
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