Courses & Units
Fundamentals of Spatial Information KGG539
Introduction
This unit is designed to provide students studying at the graduate level with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of spatial information. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and basic remote sensing analysis, with a focus on skills development and problem solving. By providing a broad overview of the fundamental forms of spatial data and the applications it can be used for, students will develop a basic skill set in spatial analysis and data handling. This unit is offered at the graduate level, but is aimed at students who have not previously worked with or studied spatial information. Students will explore the fundamental concepts underpinning spatial information, and how to represent variables in a spatial way. Throughout the unit, the potential of spatial information to solve a variety of problems is investigated. This is done in conjunction with computer-based exercises designed to build a strong technical skill set. Concepts that will be introduced include: spatial referencing systems, types of spatial data, creating new datasets, basic image analysis, and data visualisation.
Summary
| Unit name | Fundamentals of Spatial Information |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KGG539 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Mr Mark Williams |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the different types of spatial information that are most relevant or appropriate given a particular scenario
- Create new spatial datasets that comply with current standards and conventions
- Employ spatial analysis techniques to interpret and derive new information to solve spatially oriented problems
- Analyse, interpret and visualise spatial datasets using GIS and other software packages.
- Communicate and synthesise complex spatial information using written, cartographic, and other visual means
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 x 1-hour lectures and 1 x 3 hour practical session per week |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Georeferencing and Digitising (30%)|Quizzes (30%)|Metadata and Cartography (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
It is strongly recommended that students purchase the following textbook: A Primer of GIS: Fundamental Geographic and Cartographic Concepts by Francis Harvey. Second Edition, 2015. ISBN: 9781462522170 Readings from this text will be given each week. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Students may also benefit from the following text: How to lie with maps by Mark Monmonier. Third Edition, 2018. ISBN: 9780226435923 | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.