2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart, Online
This unit is technical in nature and requires students to use computer software to complete a range of GIS tasks of increasing complexity. Students who do not have basic knowledge of PC operation and familiarity with Windows should contact the unit coordinator prior to enrolment.
The unit is offered in three modes: on-campus, synchronous online, and asynchronous online:
- On-campus students are required to attend timetabled classes on campus.
- Synchronous online students must follow the timetabled classes and participate in weekly seminars and practical sessions via Zoom.
- Asynchronous online students will watch recordings of the timetabled classes, including seminars, and are expected to work independently on practical tasks and assessments.
On-campus access to software with be provided via the computer labs on campus and online via a virtual lab. Online modes of study will have online access to the software via a virtual lab. A personal computer and a stable home internet connection with minimum upload and download speeds of 1.5 Mbps are essential for all students. If you are unable to meet these requirements, please contact the unit coordinator before enrolling.
Introduction
This unit is designed to give students a general overview of spatial information and its applications. Spatial information is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of our daily lives. The ability to incorporate spatial information into various applications is a valuable skill, with applications across all manner of disciplines and vocations. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ESRI ArcGIS Pro. In this unit, students will learn the fundamental concepts underpinning spatial information, and how to represent a variety of variables in a spatial way. Content in this unit is technical in nature, although delivered at the introductory level for students who may be curious about the potential of spatial information, and want to develop a basic skillset to analyse and interpret datasets. Concepts that will be introduced include: spatial referencing systems, types of spatial data, creating new datasets, basic vector analysis, and data visualisation through maps.
Summary
| Unit name | Introduction to Spatial Information |
| Unit code | KGG102 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Mark Williams |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 1 |
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| Online | Semester 1 |
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- 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 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the different types of spatial datasets and their relevant applications
- Create new spatial datasets that comply with current standards and conventions
- Employ basic spatial analysis techniques to solve spatially oriented problems
- Utilise GIS and other software package to visualise and inspect spatial datasets
- Communicate spatial information using written, cartographic, and other visual means
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 031103 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,401.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KGG539Teaching
| Assessment | Quizzes (15%)|Georeferencing and Digitising (25%)|Raster Analysis and Cartography (30%)|Vector Analysis and Metadata (30%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
The following textbook is available through the library (online): 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. |
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| Recommended | Students may also benefit from the following text: How to lie with maps by Mark Monmonier. Third Edition, 2018. ISBN: 9780226435923 Designing better maps : a guide for GIS users by Cythia Brewer. ESRI press, 2015. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.