Units
Geographic Information Systems
Unit code: UDB281
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit investigates the basic concepts of geographic information systems. Topics to be covered include components of GIS, spatial databases, data acquisition, reference frameworks, use of photographs and images, spatial analysis and graphic output design issues. The unit will highlight the importance of geographic information systems the unit will highlight the importance of geospatial positioning applications in society.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- UD40
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer based system that allows spatial data to be ordered, managed and accessed for many diverse applications. GIS meets the needs of planning and management decision-making within both the government and private arenas. This unit provides an introduction into GIS that incorporates modern processes of acquisition, validation, storage, extraction, analysis and presentation of spatial information
Aims
The overall objective is to provide you with an introduction to Spatial Information and to develop foundation and intermediate skills within a geographic information system environment
Objectives
By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following discipline specific capabilities at an intermediate level:
1. Knowledge of the extent, theory and practice of spatial information science.
2. Ability to define and solve problems associated with manipulation of simple spatial information systems.
3. Ability to operate at an intermediate level an industry standard GIS software application for the solution of a problems requiring solution utilising spatial data.
Content
- Introduction to spatial information science; maps and map analysis.
- Common data models used in Spatial Information Science: raster, vector, digital elevation models.
- Data acquisition: sampling, data input, coordinate systems, basic map projections, georeferencing information.
- Spatial data bases: spatial objects and data base models, relationships among spatial objects, topology, and data base concepts.
- Use of photographs and images: orthophotographs
- Technology skills using Spatial Information Systems: inputs, spatial analysis, output, modes of user/SIS interaction.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode: Hours per week:
Lectures/Tutorials/Workshops: 2-4
Lectures will present the fundamental principles of GIS. You will learn the basic to intermediate practical skills needed to operate a GIS application in a series of self-paced workshop sessions. You will then apply the principles and your skill set to provide spatial information based, decision support to resolve a typical workplace problem in land management and development
Assessment
The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in the Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) section C/5.1.1
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
Online Quiz
You will be required to satisfactorily complete three on-line formative submissions in weeks 3, 5 and 7, leading to the submission of a final online submission. This relates to material covered during lecture and tutorial sessions.
Final item submitted in week 9 (formative feedback provided for items submitted in 3, 5, and 7)
Relates to objectives:
1. Demonstration of knowledge of the extent, theory and practice of spatial information science.
2. Demonstration of knowledge in the definition and solution of problems associated with manipulation of simple spatial information systems.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 9 - Final
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
GIS Skills Development Workshop
You will be required to attend and complete a series of progressive spatial data skills workshop sessions from Week 2 to Week 9 to develop practical capabilities underpinning Spatial Information Science. Output you produce within each workshop session is to be compiled into a portfolio and submitted for assessment.
Relates to objectives:
2. Demonstration of ability to define and solve problems associated with manipulation of simple spatial information systems.
3. Demonstration of ability to operate at an intermediate level an industry standard GIS software application for the solution of a problem requiring solution utilising spatial data
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 9
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
Project Applied and Report
Applied Spatial Information Project
You will be required to complete GIS operational activities for the preparation and submission of a report on an applied Spatial Information Project. You will apply the GIS skills and theoretical knowledge acquired in the earlier part of the semester in the solution of the problem.
Relates to objectives:
1. Demonstrate practical knowledge of the extent, theory and practice of spatial information science.
2. Demonstrate practical ability to define and solve problems associated with manipulation of simple spatial information systems.
3. Demonstrate practical ability to operate at an intermediate level an industry standard GIS software application for the solution of a spatially related problem.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
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
Text
Nil; however a number of resources are made available on the unit's Blacboard site.
References
Burrough, P.A., Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford Science Publications.
Dale,P.F., McLaughlin, J.D., Land Information Management. Clarendon Press.
DeMers, M.N., Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. Wiley Publishers.
Juppenlatz, M., Tian, X., Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, McGraw-Hill
Wolf,P.R. Elements of Photogrammetry, McGraw-Hill
Risk assessment statement
In this unit you will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the computer laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. The School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions.
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this unit.
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
