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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2015/2016

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences)

Postgraduate Course: GeoVisualisation (PGGE11087)

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
SummaryWe 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.

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!

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed:
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  40
Course Start Block 2 (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 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 100% coursework including practicals and computer based assignments:
Map Design Task - 40% due Monday 1 February 2016
GeoDa EDA Exercise - 60% due Monday 15 February 2016
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. understand the processes of visual cognition, and visualisation methodologies, understanding the importance of scale in the discerning of pattern and relationships
  2. understand the importance of geovisualisation techniques in the context of ¿big data¿
  3. apply a basic set of cartographic skills through theoretical readings and practical assignments, and gain an understanding of the challenges in automated cartography
  4. apply skills in the use of exploratory data analysis techniques through hands on practicals and assignments, and associated reading
  5. 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
Reading List
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

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.
KeywordsPGGE11087
Contacts
Course organiserDr William Mackaness
Tel: (0131 6)50 8163
Email: William.Mackaness@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Edwin Cruden
Tel: (0131 6)50 2543
Email: Edwin.Cruden@ed.ac.uk
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