Key facts

UNE unit code: GISC433

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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With increasing computing power and rapid innovation in modern data science, skilled professionals who can demonstrate mastery of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are in demand.

This unit introduces you to the key themes of GIS, building skills in the advanced aspects of GIS for spatial analysis and environmental modelling. Using these principles as a foundation, you will learn about uses for spatial modelling, such as modelling species diversity and distribution patterns, assessing climate change impacts, and general environmental modelling applications.

Topics include raster data analysis, data merging, overlay principles, intersect and union operations, buffer applications, and proximity analysis. You will also explore terrain analysis, including shaded relief views, site suitability analysis and network analysis.

Keep pace with new technologies in the field, including mobile GIS, and hone skills for solving complex problems in the real world.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
EM334 or EM234 or GISC334; or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
EM333, EM433 or EM533

Notes

Student will be required to install the Windows ™- based software ArcGIS for Desktop. Student 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.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Priyakant Sinha
Priyakant SinhaLecturer in Spatial Science - Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre; School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of spatial analysis by giving detailed examples of applications of GIS;
  2. demonstrate sound knowledge of spatial analysis by describing how the real world is represented in a GIS;
  3. demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of spatial analysis by providing examples of analysis functions that can be performed in a GIS;
  4. distinguish between raster and vector data models and independently identify the appropriate models for solving environmental problems;
  5. discuss the principles of spatial analysis and GIS modelling; and communicate this knowledge to others using verbal, written and visual formats; and
  6. exercise critical thinking and judgement in outlining the main problems associated with the use of a GIS to build models and provide examples of real world.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Class QuizYes20%All offerings

1 x Class Quiz worth 20%

No. Words: 500

Practical ActivityYes20%All offerings 
ProjectYes20%All offerings

No. Words: 1500

Take Home ExamYes40%All offerings

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:

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

Note: This book should be obtained as an eBook and is available free of charge from www.spatialanalysisonline.com. Students should ensure they have access to the web-based eBook. You can access as a 60 page PDF preview. There is no need to purchase the PDF copy.

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

Note: This book is available in digital or paperback format. Either format is permitted.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Fundamentals of Spatial Analysis and Modelling

ISBN: 9781032115757

Goa, Jay, CRC Press 1st ed. 2021

Note: Also available as an eBook - ISBN: 9781003220527

Text refers to: All offerings

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