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Foundations of Spatial Information (GEOM90008)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville) and Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Jagannath Aryal
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Online Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
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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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
GIS project design. Deliverable is a report (per group) of a maximum of 5 pages (per group) (10%), and in the appendix of the report a 1-page reflection per individual student (5%). Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 - 4.
| Week 7 | 15% |
Realization of the GIS project designed in Component 1. Deliverable is a report (per group) of a maximum of 20 pages (per group) (20%), and in the appendix of the report a 1-page reflection per individual student (5%). Addressing ILOs 1 - 4.
| Week 12 | 25% |
Four individual mini-projects, catering for spatial data preparation (Week 2), raster analysis (Week 3), network analysis (Week 4) and point analysis (Week 5). Students will be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with GIS software. Each mini-project is worth 2% for a total of 8%. The modules are designed for the lab sessions and you should be able to complete them within that time. However, they are due for assessment on the Friday of each week by 6 pm sharp. You can also get an extra 2% if you complete all ESRI online certificates from the list by the end of Week 5. Addressing ILO 4.
| From Week 2 to Week 5 | 10% |
Individual assignment requiring a 2-minute recorded presentation. Addressing ILO 3 . Due any week in the semester as chosen (between week 1 and 12).
| During the teaching period | 8% |
Written mid-semester test. Addressing ILOs 1, 2 and 3.
| Week 7 | 12% |
I hour online, open book exam with strict time limit. Addressing ILOs 1, 2 & 3 .
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator Stephan Winter Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Practicals 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
Coordinator Jagannath Aryal Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Practicals 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 6 August 2021 Census date 31 August 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Semester 2 contact information
Jagannath Aryal
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:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Data Science Course Master of Environmental Engineering Course Master of Geography Course Master of Science (Geography) Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Conservation and Restoration Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Climate Change Major Development Major Energy Studies Major Environmental Science Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions Major Sustainable Forests Major Conservation and Restoration Major Climate Change Major Development Major Energy Studies Major Environmental Science Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Tailored Specialisation Major Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions Major Sustainable Forests Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation - 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
- 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: 3 November 2022