Key facts
UNE unit code: GISC334
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Whether you are interested in roles in the earth and environmental sciences, or you want to extend your scope, high level skills and knowledge of the rapidly evolving field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), this unit can add value to your career.
With a focus on solving real-world problems, this unit equips you with broad theoretical skills in GIS and practical skills for analysing, visualising and synthesising spatial data.
By helping you to incorporate spatial thinking into your study, you will explore topics that develop your understanding of spatial data properties and its application, metadata, cartographic principles, data capture and development and spatial analysis.
Applications for GIS are diverse, and it is commonly and widely used tool in agriculture, ecology, wildlife management, geology, environmental planning, resource modelling, urban and regional planning and archaeology.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This Unit uses the web-based software ArcGIS Online for the practical component. Consequently, a reliable internet source is necessary for the successful completion of the Unit. ArcGIS Online is a 'Consumer-grade' GIS package. Students who intend to take advanced GIS Units will be given access to the 'professional-grade' package ArcGIS Desktop which runs on the Windows (TM) environment, for the latter part of the Unit.
Students who elect to use ArcGIS Desktop should ensure their Windows ™ computer meets ArcMap system requirements: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/system-requirements/latest/arcgis-desktop-system-requirements.htm. While Apple™ computers using Bootcamp™ or virtualisation software such as Parallels™ can support ArcMap, UNE cannot guarantee Apple computer functionality
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/Laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes 9sessions) is mandatory- exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the principle features and applications of GIS;
- apply spatial technology to solve GIS-based problems;
- analyse spatial scenarios and apply solutions to real-world problems; and
- evaluate relevant professional documents and synthesise knowledge in a discipline area.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence | |
| Practical Report | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Reading topic | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Report Format No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note:
GIS Commons: An Introductory Textbook on Geographic Information Systems
Text refers to: All offerings
The Nature of Geographic Information
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Geographic Information Science and Systems
ISBN: 9781118676950
Longley, Paul A., Goodchild, Michael F., Maguire, David J. and Rhind, David W., Wiley 4th ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Geospatial Analysis A Comprehensive Guide to Principles Techniques and Software Tools
ISBN: 9781912556052
de Smith, M., Goodchild, M., Longley, P. and Associates, spatialanalysisonline.com 6th ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The ArcGIS Book: 10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where
ISBN: 9781589484870
Harder, C. and Brown, C, Esri Press 2nd ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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