Postgraduate Course: Storing, Analysing and Delivering Spatial Data (PGGE11312)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course will consider the different approaches to storing, analysing and delivering spatial data. It consists of a series of lectures and practicals, which will introduce the topic and build a set of skills in data models, spatial databases, spatial analysis and delivery of data through web-based platforms. |
| Course description |
This course places methods of representing, analysing and visualising the real world in a context of modern distributed spatial information systems. The computerised data models and databases used for storing geospatial information are explained and developed, together with some of the fundamental concepts and concerns of spatial data analysis. The concepts underlying distributed spatial information systems are introduced, including database programming, spatial analysis in code and the building of web-based analytical systems. Such systems have overtaken traditional monolithic GIS software packages such as ArcGIS, to provide mapping and simple spatial analysis for the majority of users.
Topics covered include: a discussion of what is special about spatial data; formal data modelling; data models and structures for describing and analysing geographic features, including 3D and temporal models; spatial autocorrelation; modifiable areal unit problem; database management systems and database methods; spatial SQL; spatial analysis in geography; distance metrics; overlay analysis; suitability analysis; Boolean and continuous classifications; networks and shortest path through a network; errors and uncertainty in geographical data; standards (including OGC standards); multi-processing architectures; cloud computing; serving data on the web; web mashups; web mapping; mobile devices and smartphone apps; service provision, security and privacy.
These concepts are taught through lectures and associated practical work. Practical work is central to learning on the course both in supervised sessions and during the participants own time. Practicals introduce SQL using the Oracle relational database management system, embedding SQL in python code, a sample of the spatial analysis methods and programming web-based systems. Familiarity with the LINUX operating environment and basic python programming are assumed.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 50 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 34,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
152 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% coursework«br /»
«br /»
Distributed GIS Diagram (15%)«br /»
Oracle / SQL Practical and Report (25%) «br /»
Group Project and Brief Report (50%)«br /»
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| Feedback |
The following are your opportunities to obtain feedback on your learning from us during this course:
Questions and answers in lectures. Questions are encouraged during lectures, and give you an opportunity to check your understanding, and obtained more information in areas of interest to you.
Practical will be running from week 1 to week 11. Feedback will be given on an ongoing basis during class. Any further questions may be directed to the Demonstrators and to the lecturer.
From individual written comments on assessed coursework and examinations scripts. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically examine the principal spatial data types and the variety of methods of spatial analysis, assessing their merits and shortcomings.
- Understand the concept of database management and its implications for spatial information systems.
- Be able to implement these principles and use these methods using appropriate software.
- Appreciate the importance of data standards.
- Understand the value of distributed geographical information and services and be aware of contemporary debates in the industry relating to these.
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Reading List
Anderson, G. and Moreno-Sanchez, R. (2003). Building Web-Based Spatial Information Solutions around Open Specifications and Open Source Software. Transactions in GIS, 7: 447-466.
Burrough, P.A and McDonnell, R.A (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Date, C. J. (2003) An Introduction to Database Systems (8th ed). Addison-Wesley.
DeMers, M.N. (2002). GIS: modelling in raster. New York, Wiley.
de Smith, M., Longley P.A. and Goodchild M.F. (2011) Geospatial Analysis ¿ a comprehensive guide. http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/output/
Dunfey, R.I., Gittings, B.M. and Batcheller, J.K. (2006) Towards an Open Architecture for Vector GIS, Computers & Geosciences 32(10) p.1720-1732
Eisenberg, J. (2002) SVG Essentials, O¿Reilly.
Erickson, J., Daniel, C. and Payne, M. (2013) Python GDAL/OGR Cookbook. https://pcjericks.github.io/py-gdalogr-cookbook/
Erle, S., Gibson. R., and Walsh, J. (2005) Mapping Hacks: Tips & Tools for Electronic Cartography, O¿Reilly.
Fischer, M. Scholten, H.J and Unwin, D. (1996) Spatial analytical perspectives on GIS. Taylor and Francis, London.
Fu, P and Jiulin Sun (2010) Web GIS: Principles and Applications. ESRI Press. Redlands, Calif. USA.
Gittings, B. M. (ed.) (1999) Integrating Information Infrastuctures with GI Technology, Taylor and Francis, London.
Groot, R. and McLaughlin, J. (2000) Geospatial Data Infrastructure, Oxford University Press.
Haining, R. (2003) Spatial Data Analysis: Theory and Practice. Cambridge Univ. Press.
Hazzard, E. (2011) Open Layers Beginners Guide, Packt Publishing
Heuvelink, G.M. (1998) Error propagation in environmental modelling with GIS. Taylor and Francis, London.
Howe, D. R. (2001) Data Analysis for Data Base Design. (3rd edition) Butterworth Heinemann, London.
Kraak, M.-J. and Brown, A. (2001) Web Cartography, Taylor and Francis, London
Kropla, B. (2005) Beginning MapServer: Open Source GIS Development, Apress
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.
Lemmens, M. (2011) Geo-information: Technologies, Applications and the Environment. Springer Science & Business Media.
Li, Z., Zhu, Q. and Gold, C. (2005) Digital Terrain Modelling: Principles and Methodology, CRC Press.
Lloyd, C. (2009) Spatial Data Analysis: an introduction for GIS users. Oxford University Press. 229pp.
Longley, P.A. and Batty, M. (eds.) (2003) Advanced Spatial Analysis - The CASA book of GIS. ESRI Press, Redlands. California.
Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J. and Rhind, D.W. (2015) Geographic Information Science and Systems (4th edition) Wiley. (Chapters 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 14 and 15)
Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D.J. and Rhind, D. W. (eds.) (1999) Geographical Information Systems (2 Vols) (2nd edition). Section C on ¿Spatial Analysis¿ in Vol 1 is recommended reading.
Masó, J., Pomakis, K. and Julià, N. (2010) OpenGIS Web Map Tile Service Implementation Standard. Version: 1.0.0, Open GIS Consortium Inc., http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/wmts/
Mitchell, T. (2005) Web Mapping Illustrated, O'Reilly
O'Sullivan, D. and D. J. Unwin (2010) Geographic Information Analysis. Wiley, New York.
Peng, Z-R and M-H Tsou (2003) Internet GIS: Distributed Geographic Information Services for the Internet and Wireless Network, Wiley, London.
Rigaux, P., Scholl, M. and Voisard, A. (2002) Spatial Databases with Application to GIS.
Morgan Kaufmann.
Shekhar, S. and Chawla, S. (2002) Spatial Databases: A Tour. Prentice Hall.
Strohm,R. (2011) Oracle Database Concepts 11g (Release 1). Oracle Corporation http://docs.oracle.com/cd/B28359_01/server.111/b28318.pdf
Wise, Stephen (2014) GIS Fundamentals CRC Press, London, Second Edition.
Worboys, M. F. and Duckham, M. (2004) GIS: A Computing Perspective. CRC Press, Second Edition.
Yang, C., Wong, D., Miao, Q and Yang, R. (eds.) (2011) Advanced Geoinformation Science. CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Youngblood, B. and Iacovella, S. (2013) GeoServer Beginners Guide, Packt Publishing
Zhang, J. and Goodchild, M.F. (2002) Uncertainty in Geographic Information. London, Taylor & Francis.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course will provide the students with a range of highly marketable skills and introduce them to technologies sought after by employers. These technical skills relate closely to the employment opportunities identified by our Industrial External Examiner, professional bodies and graduate feedback. The students also gain skills in logical thinking, project work, organisation and report-writing. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mr Bruce Gittings
Tel: (0131 6)50 2558
Email: Bruce@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Felicity Smail
Tel:
Email: Felicity.Smail@ed.ac.uk |
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