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Spatial Analysis in Geography (GEOG20017)
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
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
There has been an explosion in the collection, and availability, of spatial information in the modern era. Locational data from smart phones, drones, and censuses, are examples of the growing opportunities that spatial data present for geography. In fact, many employers now demand spatial analysis skills.
Understanding how to think about spatial data, and how to analyse those data, provides life-changing skills. This subject equips students to: describe patterns (e.g. migration, ocean currents), changes in spatial patterns (e.g. spread of weeds), associations between sets of spatial variables (e.g. pollution and industry); and optimal arrangements (e.g. planning a power line route). This subject teaches generic spatial skills and is equally useful for students of human or physical geography, or related disciplines (e.g. environmental science).
Whilst the subject uses GIS and other spatial technologies, and develops competency with relevant software, the emphasis is on understanding the kind of questions that could be answered using spatial analysis; understanding different types of spatial data, and associated methodological and ethical considerations; and choosing and applying appropriate spatial analysis frameworks and models. The subject is based around weekly, computer-based, practicals. Half of the assessment comes from two assignments in which students identify their own spatial data problems and collect their own data.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- Recognise the ubiquity of spatial data, as well as key debates and ethical issues
- Describe spatial data
- Determine appropriate approaches to analysing spatial questions
- Develop basic competency in using quantitative and statistical techniques, including GIS software, to analyse spatial data
Generic skills
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to communicate effectively, with colleagues, and with the community at large
- Ability to manage information and documentation
- Ability to apply knowledge of geography fundamentals
- Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Students will need a basic knowledge of ARC-GIS software (ESRI software provided by the University). If this has not been provided by one of the following subjects, then students will need to complete a set of online training modules before the class begins. These are not onerous, and will provide a basic working knowledge of ARC-GIS. Subjects that will provide relevant background knowledge include:
- GEOG10002 Landscape Information Systems
- GEOM20013 Applications of GIS (Semester 1)
- ENVS10006 Mapping Environments
- GEOM30012 Integrated Spatial Systems (can be taken concurrently)
Note that this subject involves some numerical analysis, and some use of statistics (within the software packages), so it is recommended that students have some basic competency in mathematics.
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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Practical class exercises (500 word equivalent); 500 words; spread throughout the semester; 20%
- Analysis exercise 1 (secondary data) (1,000 word equivalent); 1,000 words;Week 6; 25%
- Analysis exercise 2 (field data) (1,000 word equivalent); 1,000 words; Week 9; 25%
- 1.5 hr written examination (1500 words) during examination period; 30%
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x 1 hour lectures per week, 1 x 3 hr practical per week from week 2 to 9 Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Biomedicine Course Bachelor of Science Major Geography - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 15 February 2024