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Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Intermediate

Former School/College

Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Unit aim

Provides a conceptual understanding of spatial and non-spatial data used in a geographical information system (GIS). It introduces the fundamental concepts of spatial analysis. Students use vector and raster based GIS software (ArcGIS) to collect, edit, manage and analyse spatial and non-spatial data. Students will produce maps to a professional standard. They will explore the application of GIS in their discipline.

Unit content

Spatial data: projections and scale
Spatial data models: vector (topology) and raster
Spatial data capture (GPS, data quality, metadata)
Non-spatial data and data management systems
Editing data
Spatial data analysis
Representation of spatial data
Application of GIS in your discipline
Map production

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 explain characteristics, types and processing of spatial data
2 manage spatial and non-spatial data in ArcGIS
3 analyse vector and raster data using ArcMap
4 produce maps at a professional standard
5 describe how GIS is used as a tool in their discipline
6 critically analyse limitations of GIS applications in terms of accuracy and scale.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. explain characteristics, types and processing of spatial data
    • GA4:
  2. manage spatial and non-spatial data in ArcGIS
    • GA4:
  3. analyse vector and raster data using ArcMap
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  4. produce maps at a professional standard
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  5. describe how GIS is used as a tool in their discipline
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  6. critically analyse limitations of GIS applications in terms of accuracy and scale.
    • GA1:
    • GA4: