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 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
| 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
- 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
| 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:
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. |
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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.