IS4S766 - GIS Principles and Practice 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: IS4S766
Module Title: GIS Principles and Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: informatics
Module Leader: Gary Higgs
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: JAN 2016 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100369 - geographical information systems
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience in the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

To develop an understanding of fundamental GIS principles concerning spatial data models; geo-database management; basic querying and spatial analytical procedures; and cartographic display and visualisation techniques.

Content Summary

Introduction to Geographical Information Systems & Applications using open-source GIS

Data entry and manipulation in GIS using open spatial data

Cartographic and visualisation techniques in GIS

Spatial analytical approaches in GIS

Case studies of GIS applications such as crime, health, environment, conservation, transport, disaster management

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To demonstrate critical awareness and advanced practical skills in the areas of geographical information systems and science.
LO2 To demonstrate an ability to understand, manage, analyse, and visualise spatial data, and to criticallyevaluate the outcomes of GIS modelling operations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 QGIS Mini-Project 0 3000 75 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Data Organisation, Mapping & Visualisation Exercise 0 1000 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project 1
Practical Written Work 1

Reading List

Ballas, D., Clarke, G., Franklin, R. S. and Newing, A. (2017) GIS and the Social Sciences: Theory and Applications. London: Routledge.

Chainey, S. and Ratcliffe, J.H. (2013) GIS and Crime Mapping. Chicester: Wiley.

Cromley, E.K. and McLafferty, S.L. (2011) GIS and Public Health. 2nd edition. New York: Guilford Press.

De Smith, M.J., Goodchild, M.F. and Longley, P.A. (2009) Geospatial analysis: A comprehensive guide to principles, techniques and software tools. 3rd edition. London: Winchelsea Press.

Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S.?(2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. 4th edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited

Lloyd, C.D. (2010) Spatial Data Analysis: An introduction for GIS users. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Longley, P., Goodchild, M., Maguire, D. and Rhind, D. (2015) Geographic Information Systems and Science. 4th Edition. New Jersey: Wiley

Monmonier, M. (1996) How to Lie with Maps. Chicago: Chicago University Press.

In addition, a list of recommended reading will be suggested for each of the thematic areas covered in the module.