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Foundations of Spatial Information (GEOM90008)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Professor Stephan Winter
Semester 2
Dr Maria Vasardani
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This is an introductory subject to Geograhpic Information Systems (GIS) and Geographic Information Science, both practically and theoretically, at postgraduate level. Spatial information is ubiquitous in decision making. Be it in urban planning, in traffic or disaster management, in way-finding, in issues of the environment, public health and sustainability, or in economic contexts: the question of 'where' is a fundamental one. Spatial information is also special in many respects, such as its dimensionality and autocorrelation, its volume, its links to the Internet of Things (things are always located somewhere), to social networks (which exist in space and time), to streaming data from sensors everywhere, or to intelligent (location-aware) systems. The subject provides the foundations for more specialized subjects on spatial data management, spatial data analysis and spatial data visualization, and is of particular relevance to people wishing to establish a career in the spatial information industry, the environmental or planning industry. It is also suited for every postgraduate student who is looking for solid GIS skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
We will discuss representations and analysis of this information in spatial information technologies, from location-based services to geographic information systems. Topics addressed are observing the environment; spatial and spatiotemporal data representations, spatial analysis and spatial communication. The practical part will introduce to GIS in a hands-on manner, starting in individual software training and then applying new skills in a team-designed GIS project.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Describe and discuss the process from observing the environment to representing information about the environment
- Identify and assess fundamental data structures and analysis procedures associated with spatial information
- Discuss the use of geographic information in decision making
- Apply basic practical skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems software.
Generic skills
On successful completion, students will have:
- The ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
- The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- The ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
- An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and a commitment to them
- A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
One project-based learning assignment consisting of two components:
- A GIS project design (team work, approximately 25 hours per student). Deliverable is a report (per group) of a maximum of 5 pages (per group), and in the appendix of the report a 1-page reflection per individual student. All four Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) are addressed by this component. Due week 7. (20%)
- The realization of the GIS project designed in Component 1 (team work, approximately 25 hours per student). Deliverable is a report (per group) of a maximum of 20 pages (per group), and in the appendix of the report a 1-page reflection per individual student. All four ILOs are addressed by this component. Due week 12. (20%)
Optional component: Students will be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with GIS software. This is optional, considering the diverse backgrounds of students with regards to GIS skills. However, the skills are required for the components. This optional component must be completed by week 5. There will be no assessment.
- One individual assignment (10 hours) requiring a 500-word report and the preparation of a 5-minute oral presentation in the lecture. Assessed are the report and the slides, since not everybody has an opportunity to present in the lecture. ILO 3 is addressed in this assignment. Due any week in the semester chosen between week 1 and 12. (5%)
- One written 30-minutes mid-semester test. ILOs 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in this exam. Due week 6. (10%)
- One 2-hour end-of-semester exam. ILOs 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in the exam. (45%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Stephan Winter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Practicals 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Professor Stephan Winter
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Maria Vasardani Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Practicals 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Dr Maria Vasardani
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is based on lectures conveying the foundations of spatial information, and in a parallel hands-on practice with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students develop strong skills in using GIS through online modules, individual mini-projects, and their own project in a team. They will also develop their critical 'reading' skills for the use of spatial information in the media, and thus sharpen their eye for cartographic visualization.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
The students can install ESRI ArcGIS on their own computers via a campus licence, and enrol in ESRI online modules. Lectures are recorded (voice and slides). Students are highly encouraged to work on the ESRI online modules BEFORE semester start; access codes are provided on request.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Industry members are regularly invited for guest lectures.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022