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Geographical Information Systems - ENV00012I

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• Department: Environment and Geography
• Module co-ordinator: Dr. Colin McClean
• Credit value: 10 credits
• Credit level: I
• Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
  • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module aims to:

• introduce participants to spatial analysis using GIS software
• introduce the theoretical problems associated with capturing, handling and analysing spatial data
• explore these issues through the practical use of ArcGIS or QGIS, two widely used GIS software packages.

Module learning outcomes

Successful participants will be able to:

• appreciate the nature of spatial data types
• understand the basic GIS functionality available in GIS software suites
• perform a basic spatial analysis of environmental data using ArcGIS or QGIS

Generic / Employability Skills:

In studying this module students should acquire additional employability skills in the following areas:

• presenting written material in the form of a reportiImproved computer literacy/Utilizing specialist computer software
• problem solving/analytical skills associated with the spatial analysis problem that has to be solved for the assessment
• adaptability & flexibility - some methods will be more difficult to get working than others, students have to choose between approaches as the project develops
• attention to detail - including planning and organisation, numeracy and time management.
• this module has aided many past students in securing employment in the environmental sector.

Assessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework GIS Analysis Project	N/A	100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework Reassessment Essay	N/A	100

Module feedback

Formative feedback is offered during the computer practical help sessions.

Feedback on summative assessments is provided as written comments on returned work (copied to each individual) and where appropriate via a class e-mail detailing common issues.

Indicative reading

This is a hands-on module. There is no key text. A number of web-based materials will be listed on the VLE along with some text books for further reading should students want to investigate the underlying theory behind GIS technology.