Geographical information systems
Prohibited Combinations
You may not take this module if you have previously passed:
Geographical Information Systems (GEOU9IS)
Module Description
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are the methods and tools for creating, managing, analysing and visualising spatial data (i.e. data that can be tied to a specific location on the surface of the Earth). GIS is widely used in Natural and Social Sciences to understand and solve spatial questions and problems.
By explicitly considering the spatial location of events or phenomena we can often learn new relationships, patterns, and trends that are not discoverable through simple statistical methods. Being such powerful problem-solving and decision-making tools, GIS skills are highly sought by businesses, government or non-governmental bodies, and in academia.
GIS is an expected and defining skill for any graduate in Geosciences, and has also become a key skill for graduates in organismal biosciences (e.g. botany, zoology, ecology, conservation) and any disciplines related to planning and management. More recently, it has also become a valuable tool for journalism and communication.
This module will introduce you to the theoretical fundamentals of GIS (GIScience) and develop your GIS analytical skills through the use of software tools. There will be supporting lectures, but most of your learning will occur through hands-on practical activities, where you will master GIS methods by solving real world problems using industry-standard software.
Location/Method of Study
Stirling
Module Objectives
Lecture, demonstration, guided study
Lecture, demonstration, guided study
Lecture, demonstration, guided study
Lecture, demonstration, guided study
Assessments and peer feddback
Assessment and peer feedback
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this Module.
Core Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
understand spatial data and identify, distinguish and choose models for representing and storing spatial data regardless of software choice;
combine GIS skills and previous knowledge in Environmental Science, Environmental Geography and related areas to critically solve spatial problems;
formulate and create cartographic visualizations that can be easily and unambiguously interpreted by non-GIS users;
obtain, assess, and use spatial data from online and offline sources and be able to produce new spatial data using computer and field methods;
achieve the necessary theoretical and practical proficiency to independently propose, plan, execute, and report GIS-based projects at a professional level using industry-standard software;
supervise, interpret and appraise GIS work produced by others.
Introductory Reading and Preparatory Work
To get a gentle introduction to GIS, we recommend the online resource below:
https://docs.qgis.org/3.22/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/index.html
There are no set textbooks for this module, but ff you wish to purchase an entry-level textbook to accompany this module, one recommendation would be: Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., McGuire, D.J. (2016) Geographic information systems and science. 4thEd. John Wiley & Sons, 496p. ISBN 978-1118676950. There are older editions of this textbook in the library that will serve you equally well, and any recent GIS textbook will cover all topics in the module.
Delivery
Directed Study 16 hours Large group presentation or talk on a particular topic
Directed Study 16 hours A session involving the development and practical application of a particular skill or technique
Directed Study 16 hours A session involving the demonstration of a practical technique or skill
Directed Study 16 hours Preparation for scheduled sessions, follow up work, wider reading and practice, completion of assessment tasks, revision, accessing webinars and other materials available on demand
Total Study Time 200 hours
Attendance Requirements
Your engagement with learning materials and activities and your attendance at scheduled live (synchronous) sessions is extremely important. Full engagement in your studies will enable you to get the most out of the course and help you perform at your best when it comes to assessment.
We expect you to engage with all aspects of this module and with your programme of study. You should:
Engage with all module materials, activities, and online timetabled teaching sessions
Actively participate in discussions and practical activities
Prepare in advance of live sessions by undertaking the required reading and/or other forms of preparation
Submit coursework/assessments by the due time and date
Complete class tests and examinations at the specified time and date
Make your module co-ordinator aware at the earliest opportunity if you experience problems which may impact on your engagement
Inform the University of absence from study (planned or unplanned), e.g. illness, emergency as outlined at http://www.stir.ac.uk/registry/studentinformation/absence
Respond to e-mails from your personal tutor, module co-ordinator or programme director and attend meetings if requested.
Engage with in-sessional English language classes (if applicable)
We will monitor these aspects throughout each semester to check that you are fully participating and that you are coping well with your studies. Some activities may be prescribed, failure to engage with 2/3 of prescribed activities will result in your module grade being capped at the pass mark (40 for Undergraduate modules, 50 for Postgraduate modules.
Assessment
% of final
grade Learning
Outcomes
Group (Report) 35 1,2,3,4,5
Coursework 35 1,2,3
Report 30 1,3
Peer Review 0 6
Coursework: 100%
More information at: https://portal.stir.ac.uk/calendar/calendar.jsp?modCode=GEOU9SP&_gl=1*dojgin*_ga*MTY1OTcwNzEyMS4xNjkyMDM2NjY3*_ga_ENJQ0W7S1M*MTY5MjAzNjY2Ny4xLjEuMTY5MjAzODE1Mi4wLjAuMA..
Presential
TRUE
Geographical information systems
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The statements made herein do not necessarily have the consent or agreement of the ASTRAIOS Consortium. These represent the opinion and findings of the author(s).
