Postgraduate Course: GeoVisualisation (PGGE11087)
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 | We live in an ocular centric world. We are showered with info graphics across all forms of media. We have a veracious appetite for information in a visual form, whether it is tracing a finger across the London Tube map, or learning about the range of North Korean missiles. And these visual forms underpin our decision making. But how effective are they? Can we optimise their design to minimise the effort required to understand them? How can we interact with such data? What are the challenges in the sharing and integration of data when it comes to making maps?
This module aims to highlight the need for effective visualization in the analysis and display of geographic information. A growing number of techniques exist for the visualization of geographic data and increasingly are tied to interactive manipulation and analysis of such data. Such techniques have their foundation in cartographic principles and traditional mapping. The rise of the neo-geography raises interesting challenges for automated cartography, for example, in trying to create environments whereby lay people can create their own maps, (but with little understanding of the intricacies of map design). A variety of visualisation and interactive techniques are considered the mainstay of exploratory data analysis techniques, so in addition to the focus on theoretical and conceptual issues, the course contains a number of practicals that will enable students to gain experience in the use of Exploratory Data Analysis Techniques. Interaction and exploration of data can apparently be enhanced through greater levels of immersion. These ideas lead naturally to ideas of virtual and augmented reality, which are also explored as part of this course.
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| Course description |
Lecture 1: visual cognition and cartography
Lab 1: ArcGIS: cartography
Lecture 2: Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis Techniques
Lab 2: Geoda for ESDA 1
Lecture 3: Schematisation: Cartograms and SOMs
Lab 3: Geoda for ESDA 2
Lecture 4: Generalisation of Spatial Data
Lecture 5: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
This is a five week, rather intensive, course commencing after Christmas. The lectures are on a Friday, in the Pod, ECCI Building, 9-11am. The ECCI building is to the north of the Geography Building, on Royal Infirmary Street. The practicals are in the afternoon, 1-3 pm, in the basement. This gives you a two hour break to catch your breath!
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
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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 processes of visual cognition, and visualisation methodologies, understanding the importance of scale in the discerning of pattern and relationships
- understand the importance of geovisualisation techniques in the context of ¿big data¿
- apply a basic set of cartographic skills through theoretical readings and practical assignments, and gain an understanding of the challenges in automated cartography
- apply skills in the use of exploratory data analysis techniques through hands on practicals and assignments, and associated reading
- understand the synergy between traditional forms of visualisation and the growing relevance of augmented and virtual reality in comprehending and interacting with the world around us
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Reading List
Naollenbury M. 2007 Geographic Visualization (available on learn)
Martin Dodge, McDerby M, Turner M 2011 Geographic Visualisazation Wiley
Edward R. Tufte 1983 The Visual Display of Quantitative Information Graphics Press
David McCandless 2009 ¿Information is Beautiful¿ Harper Collins
Katharine Harmon, Gayle Clemans. 2010 The Map as Art Contemporary Artists Explore Cartography ISBN 9781568989723
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Additional Information
| Course URL |
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/MSc/GISpages.html |
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
A growing number of techniques exist for the visualization of geographic data and increasingly are tied to interactive manipulation and analysis of such data. Such techniques have their foundation in cartographic principles and traditional mapping. The rise of the neo-geography raises interesting challenges for automated cartography ¿ for example, in trying to create environments whereby lay people can create their own maps, (but with little understanding of the intricacies of map design). A variety of visualisation and interactive techniques are considered the mainstay of exploratory data analysis techniques, so in addition to the focus on theoretical and conceptual issues, the course contains a number of practicals that will enable students to gain experience in the use of Exploratory Data Analysis Techniques. Interaction and exploration of data can apparently be enhanced through greater levels of immersion. These ideas lead naturally to ideas of virtual and augmented reality, which are also explored as part of this course.
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| Keywords | PGGE11087 |
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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