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 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 landscape metrics 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 and applies spatial concepts through a series of assessments based on an ecological case study, although it is designed for students who have not previously worked with or studied spatial information. The unit 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 through maps.
Summary
| Unit name | Fundamentals of Spatial Information |
| Unit code | KGG539 |
| 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 |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
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
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KGG102Teaching
| 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. |
|---|---|
| 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.