Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Spatial Analysis practice is a rapidly evolving area of expertise and a fundamental component of spatial data infrastructure. As a future practitioner in the spatial science industry, you need to further develop your understanding of theoretical issues and the applied practical skills developed in UDB281 Geographic Information Systems to provide effective locational and situational intelligence for decision support.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to further develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of spatial information science. A geographic information system (GIS) environment is utilised to provide for a 'hands-on' approach to facilitate your understanding of, and attainment of the skill-set required for more advanced processes of spatial data acquisition, storage and analysis, and the extraction and presentation of spatial information.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate a number of discipline specific capabilities at an intermediate level:

1. Ability to utilise an industry standard GIS application at an advanced level to facilitate multi-criteria evaluation of problems with a spatial location focus.
2. Ability to perform the analysis and design for the creation of a GIS based decision support tool for resolving problems with context issues of spatial location and interaction.
3. Ability to discuss, explain and demonstrate, at an intermediate level, the knowledge and practical skills concerning processes of spatial data acquisition and compilation, storage and analysis, and the extraction and presentation of spatial information.

Content

• Overview of current spatial analysis practice.


• Spatial data processing cycle - current and emerging technologies and processes.


• Spatial analysis procedures - historical, current and emerging.


• Spatial analysis impacts and implications - data collection and compilation, manipulation and analysis; information retrieval and presentation; institutional, cultural and social spatial information contexts.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Hours per week: 5
Lecture: 1
Tutorial / Pracs: 4

In this unit, you will explore the theoretical concepts and develop the skills that underpin spatial analysis practice through lectures and key topics through real-world application studies and practical exercises.
An on-line teaching site will be utilised and will be a focal point for your learning of and interaction with spatial analysis practice methods. This unit relies on your having the knowledge and skills-set developed in UDB281 Geographic Information Systems (or equivalent).

Assessment

QUT's Assessment Policy is located at MOPP C/5.1.You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions through the semester.

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Log and record of workshop experience and output.
You will be required to complete and record a series of progressive spatial analysis skills development workshop sessions from Week 1 to Week 8 designed to develop the practical skill-set underpinning spatial analysis practice. Output you produce within each workshop session is to be compiled into a workbook and submitted for assessment.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: You will be required to undertake and complete activities for the preparation and submission of a report utilising spatial analysis techniques as a decision support mechanism in the resolution of a problem involving spatial location and interaction. You will apply the spatial analysis skills developed and theoretical knowledge acquired in the earlier part of the semester in the solution of the problem.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Invigilated test for summative assessment.
You will sit an examination designed to assess the spatial analysis knowledge attained and the practical skill-set developed during the semester.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

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

Recommended Text:
1. Geographic Information Systems and Science 3nd ed. by Longley, Goodchild, Maguire and Rhind. Wiley, 2011.

References:
1. Burrough, P.A., Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford Science Publications.
2. Cho, G., Geographic Information Science - Mastering the Legal Issues
3. Dale,P.F., McLaughlin, J.D., Land Information Management. Clarendon Press.
4. DeMers, M.N., Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. Wiley Publishers.
5. Heywood, I, Cornelius and Carter, An Introduction To Geographical Information Systems.
6. Juppenlatz, M., Tian, X., Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, McGraw-Hill
7. Wolf,P.R. Elements of Photogrammetry, McGraw-Hill

Risk assessment statement

Students in this unit 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.

Students 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: 06-Jun-2012