Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Elementary spatial referencing is fundamental to many disciplines. Humankind requires space in order to live and engage with our planet. Modern society requires complex decisions about this space and these decisions are underpinned by spatial information and geo-spatial data.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts and understanding about spatial positioning and the global positioning system.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to

1. demonstrate an understanding of spatial positioning relative to global and local datums and the relevance of spatial information in the form of map products and aerial photographs;
   
2. apply principles and characteristics of introductory surface modelling techniques and simple computations for areas and volume estimates;
   
3. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cartographic communication and presentation of spatial information;
   
4. demonstrate practical application of global positioning systems datasets including analysis and presentation at a beginning level.

Content

• Spatial referencing.
  
• Introduction to areas and volumes.
  
• Maps and aerial photographs.
  
• Introduction to map projections and the Map Grid of Australia (MGA).
  
• Spatial data organisation in digital environments.
  
• The reliability of spatial data and derived spatial information.
  
• Cartographic communication.
  
• Digital Mapping and 3-D representations.
  
• Major elements of the global positioning system including the space segment, control segment and user segment.
  
• Introduction to global and local co-ordinate systems and heights; GPS mission planning; Error sources and accuracy in GPS

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: Hours per week:
Lecture: 2
Tutorial: 1/2
Practical: 1/2

Learning Approaches:
Learning approaches will cover the following:
Self-learning
Individual learning
Experiential learning

You will undertake exercises and tasks in and out of class for this purpose. Project based learning will be used such that you will be in an environment that simulates a real world project.

Assessment

The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 5.1.1 Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP)Formative feedback
You will receive oral feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Additional formative feedback will be available in computer laboratory sessions. The problem solving tasks throughout semester provide ongoing formative feedback from week 3 to 11.

Summative feedback
Assessment 1: Problem solving tasks
Mode of feedback: Summative results from the completion of terrain surface modelling activity.
Assessment 2: Portfolio
Mode of feedback: Summative results from the completion of four parts of the portfolio.
Assessment 3: Two- hour Examination at end of semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Spatial data tasks for terrain surface modelling.
Demonstration of practical skills involving spatially related problems and the use of software for presentation of spatial solutions.
Relates to objectives: 2
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 5

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Geo-spatial Collection
Collection of artefacts and outcomes derived from AutoCAD map, mission planning for GPS, analysis of GPS experimental data, design of a CAD mapping product.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 12

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Students will solve problems related to key concepts in spatial reference systems covered over the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: end of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There are no set texts for this unit.

Type: Reference
Author: Wolf, P.
Title: Elementary Surveying: An introduction to Geomatics
Year: 2008 Publisher: Pearson-Prentice Hall
Edition: Twelfth

Type: Reference
Author: Robinson, A.H., Morrison, J.L., Muehrcke, P.C., Kimberling, a., Guptill, S.C.
Title: Elements of Cartography
Year: Publisher: 1995: John Wiley and Sons.
Edition: Sixth

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms and computer laboratories. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. However, you will be required to undertake an off campus field practical of a supervised and self-guided nature. A risk assessment for this practical component has identified only low impact risks.

Additional Costs
You should allow for costs involved in downloading materials from the Blackboard site and copying resources (where appropriate). You will be required to colour-print various assessment items and maps as required for the assessments.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012