Postgraduate Course: Spatial Modelling (PGGE11092)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences) |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/ |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course provides a broad introduction to the methods of representing the real world and storing geospatial information. Lectures explain the theory behind storage models and structures, emphasising vector and raster models, with a review of the so-called 2.5-dimensional (layer-based), 3-D and temporal structures. The course introduces database management systems and database methods in the context of GIS and also introduces the concept of formal data modelling. A practical stream provides a robust introduction to SQL using the Oracle relational database management system and an exercise in digital terrain modelling. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
¿ understand the range of methods used to store spatial and attribute data in the context of geographical information systems
¿ appreciate the development of these storage models and structures, together with database methods, and the implications of their legacy on current implementations
¿ understand the concept of database management and its implications
¿ critically review the available models and technologies, assessing their merits and shortcomings
¿ understand the concepts of data modelling and be able to deconstruct real-world problems into appropriate models
¿ use Structured Query Language (SQL) for the manipulation of objects within a relational database management system
¿ use the Oracle relational database management system
¿ locate, read and summarise relevant literature, from both traditional and electronic media, to extend your understanding of the topic
¿ develop reasoned arguments, firmly grounded in the available literature
¿ plan and write assignments, within the specified parameters and to a professional standard
¿ take responsibility for your own learning through reading and the preparation of assignments, and reflect upon your learning experience.
|
Assessment Information
Practical exercise 1 25% (due week 3)
Practical exercise 2 25% (due week 5)
Exam 50% (one hour; answer one essay question from a choice of four)
|
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Week 1
Representing Reality: An Introduction to Spatial Modelling
Week 2
Formal Data Modelling and Database Management
Practical: Introducing the Oracle Relational Database Management System and SQL
Week 3
Topology & Vector Data Models and Structures
Practical: SQL 2
Week 4
Raster and Hierarchical Data Models and Structures
Practical: SQL 3
Week 5
Adding Dimensions
Practical: Digital Terrain Modelling
|
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Reading List (Extensive list on Course Outline and Course Web Page)
- Burrough, P.A. and Frank, A.U. (1996) Geographic Objects with Indeterminate Boundaries. Taylor & Francis, London
- Langran, G. (1992) Time in Geographic Information Systems. Taylor & Francis, London
- Laurini, R. and Thompson, D. (1992) Fundamentals of Spatial Information Systems. Academic Press, London
- Shekhar, S. and Chawla, S. (2002) Spatial Databases: A Tour. Prentice Hall.
- Workboys, M.F. and Duckham, M. (2004) GIS: A Computing Perspective. CRC Press, Second Edition
|
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | PGGE11092 Spatial Modelling, Data Modelling, Structured Query Language (SQL), Vector, Raster data mo |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mr Bruce Gittings
Tel: (0131 6)50 2558
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Susan Orr
Tel: (0131 6)50 2543
Email: |
|
|
University Homepage