THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2014/2015
Archive for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences)

Postgraduate Course: Spatial Modelling (PGGE11092)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis 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.
Course description 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
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2014/15, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  45
Course Start Block 1 (Sem 1)
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 12, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 12, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 74 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 50 %, Coursework 50 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 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)
Feedback Not entered
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours & Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Spatial Modelling1:00
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.
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
Additional Information
Course URL http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsPGGE11092 Spatial Modelling, Data Modelling, Structured Query Language (SQL), Vector, Raster data mo
Contacts
Course organiserMr Bruce Gittings
Tel: (0131 6)50 2558
Email: Bruce.Gittings@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Lynne Mcgillivray
Tel: (0131 6)50 2543
Email: Lynne.McGillivray@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2014 The University of Edinburgh - 12 January 2015 4:30 am