Undergraduate Course: Principles of Geographical Information Science (GEGR10039)
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 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Geography |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | 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. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Delivery period: 2014/15 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
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Learn enabled: Yes |
Quota: 28 |
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Web Timetable |
Web Timetable |
| Class Delivery Information |
2 hour(s) per week for 5 week(s). |
| Course Start Date |
15/09/2014 |
| Breakdown of 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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| Additional Notes |
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| Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
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| 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:
1. By the end of this module, students should have an integrated knowledge of the principal areas of Geographical Information Science, including the main boundaries and terminologies used. They should also be able to achieve and demonstrate the ability to:
- Understand the components and a range of the methods which make up geographical information systems and the field of geographical information science, including an appreciation of the history and development of this field
- Critically understand the importance of data modelling in the storage of geographical data within the database and how spatial data are acquired
- Appreciate the functionality of the ArcGIS software, including basic expertise in analysis, classification, query and integration of vector and raster data and visualisation and how to use ArcGIS to set and achieve goals
- 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.
- Critically review and consolidate the knowledge of GIS gained as part of this course in order to solve complex spatial problems.
2. More broadly, the course seeks to develop students¿ transferable skills, to develop practical techniques in geographical information science, and to provide training in critical analysis and in written presentation combining results from quantitative analysis. |
Assessment Information
Class assessment: Non Assessed Essay ¿ 1500 words, Set week 1, due 2.00 Thurs 2nd Oct.
Non Assessed Design Document, Set in Week 2, discussed in tutorials.
Degree assessment: One two-hour examination (2 questions) 60%; One computer-based GIS project (2000 words) 40%
Overall mark for the course (ie degree coursework and examinations) of at least 40 to pass |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Wk1-18.09.14a GIS and Geography -systems and science, computer based problem solving, the development of GI science, its impact on the geographic discipline. IGIS: preface, Chapter 1
Wk1-18.09.14b GIS Application domains - the utility of GIS: Examples from Govt/public service, crime, demographics, navigation, Envt. Utilities, consultancy. IGIS: throughout!
Wk2-25.09.14 No Lecture (Vienna Conference) Practical as normal
Wk3-29-1.09.14a Representing Geography - digital representation of Geography;
multi scaled in space and time: the nature of geography IGIS: Chapter 5
Wk3-29-1.09.14b Data Models - discrete and continuous fields - associated data models ¿raster vs. vector : what and for whom?
- Topological modelling IGIS: Chapter 5
Wk3-02.10.14a Geographical Analysis GIS query and cartometric analysis, spatial autocorrelation IGIS: Chapter 6
Wk4-9.10.14a
Georeferencing and
Data Capture Technologies Gazetteers, postcodes, Measurement science, map projections, conversion, GPS. IGIS: Chapter 5
Wk4-9.10.14b Modelling Uncertainty Vagueness, ambiguity, issues of quality, metadata, interpolation. Decision making IGIS: Chapter 10
Wk5-16.10.14a
Cartography & Map Projections Principles of map design
Geovisualisation IGIS: Chapter 2, 8
Wk6-23.10.14a No lecture ¿ (Kindrogan fieldcourse)
Wk7-30.10.14a Surface Modelling:
data sources, data models,
digital terrain analysis - methods of modelling surfaces; - application domains IGIS: 198-217, Chapter 7
Wk8-06.11.14a Socio technical issues: the human hurdle? Organisational context and Socio technical issues in the use of GIS : System failure in the Ambulance Service: A case study IGIS: Chapter 11, 12
Wk9-13.11.14a Case Studies Waste site locations, Aquaculture Potential in Malawi, Environmental Impact Assessment Throughout!
Wk10-20.11.14 Introduction to Remote Sensing - sensing the earth at the global scale
- application domains IGIS: 60-62
Wk11-27.11.14 Revision Future Developments & Course review IGIS: Chapter 13
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| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Heywood I, Cornelius S, Carver S 2011 An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems 4th Edition.
Key references
Burrough P A and McDonnell R A (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment. Oxford: Clarendon. Chapters 1-3.
Clarke, K 2010 Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems 5th Edition ISBN13: 9780131494985 ISBN10: 0131494988
Longley P A, Goodchild M F Maguire D.J and Rhind D W (eds) (2010) Geographic Information Systems and Science (3rd Edition)
Stillwell, J., Clarke, G. 2003 Applied GIS and Spatial Analysis (edited volume) John Wiley
Periodicals: International Journal of Geographical Information Science, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems.
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| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | GEGR10039 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr William Mackaness
Tel: (0131 6)50 8163
Email: William.Mackaness@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Beth Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: beth.muir@ed.ac.uk |
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