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Applications of GIS (GEOM20013)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 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
Martin Tomko
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a blend of computer mapping and database technologies used to store, manage, analyse and display geographic data. This subject introduces students to this exciting technology and provides them with the skills and knowledge to design solutions enabling to solve everyday spatial problems in both built and natural environments. Students who complete this subject will have developed knowledge that is immediately applicable in the workplace. The subject also lays the foundations for more advanced studies in geomatics, spatial information systems, and spatial planning. Enrolled students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with GIS technology before the semester start by online training courses published in LMS.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Basic concepts of GIS, including typology of datasets, Design and operationalization of GIS solutions, Application areas of GIS demonstrated through case studies presented by experts in their professions. In parallel, students train in computer labs the use of GIS for data integration, analysis and mapping, translating a specification of a multi-criteria evaluation problem into a workable GIS decision support solution, inspired by the case studies.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain the basic principles and procedures associated with application of geographic information systems (GIS) to the solution of spatial problems;
- Demonstrate practical skills such as understanding of the data collection, storage, manipulation and visualization of spatial data;
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of the principles of spatial reference systems and basic spatial analysis and visualization of spatial data using a GIS software;
- Describe how GIS can be applied in a range of situations, such as urban planning, site selection, environmental management, facilities and network management, and many more;
- Explain the particular role that GIS plays in decision making for problem solving purposes;
- Use GIS software to demonstrate the application of a GIS to support decision making in a selected problem area, such as emergency management, urban development, land administration, environmental assessment or public health.
Generic skills
On the completion of this subject students will have:
- The ability to apply knowledge of basic science fundamentals
- The ability to communicate effectively, not only with other scientists but also with the community at large
- The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- The ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
- An expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- The capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
- Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Enrolled students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with GIS technology before the semester start by online training courses published in LMS.
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Individual assignment addressing an application of GIS; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2, 3 and 4 are addressed
| Week 4 | 20% |
Group literature review on an application of GIS which will provide the foundation for the final group assignment; ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in this review
| Mid semester | 15% |
Group major assignment on the application of GIS researched by the group during the literature review; ILOs 2 - 5 are addressed in this assignment
| End of the teaching period | 35% |
Examination; ILOs 1, 3 and 4 are addressed in the examination
| During the examination period | 30% |
Additional details
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Martin Tomko Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Tutorials: 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Martin Tomko
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
The students have free access to ESRI ArcGIS via a campus licence. Lectures are recorded (voice and slides).
Recommended texts and other resources
Geographic Information Science and Systems (latest edition), by Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind, ISBN: 978-1-119-03130-7
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject consists of introductory lectures and a number of guest speakers presenting applications of GIS from industry practice. In parallel students are exposed in computer labs to their first encounter with GIS.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
The students have free access to ESRI ArcGIS via a campus licence. Lectures are recorded (voice and slides).
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
A number of industry representatives across a variety of GIS applications present guest lectures during the semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Engineering Systems Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Major Spatial Systems Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Landscape Ecosystem Management Specialisation (formal) Spatial Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- 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: 27 April 2024