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Foundations of Spatial Information (GEOM90008)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Stephan Winter
email: winter@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Jagannath Aryal
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This is an introductory subject to Geographic 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 or for a prime domain to apply data analytics and artificial intelligence. The subject is suited for on-campus and off-campus delivery.
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: 31 January 2024
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Five individual mini-projects to get familiarized with GIS software. Addressing ILO 4.
| From Week 1 to Week 5 | 0% |
GIS project design. Deliverable is a technical specification (per group) of a maximum of 2 pages (10%), and a recorded project pitch (per individual) of 2 minutes (10%). Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 - 4.
| Week 7 | 20% |
One online quiz of 30 minutes. Addressing ILOs 1, 2 & 3 .
| Mid semester | 10% |
Individual assignment requiring a 2-minute recorded presentation. Adresses ILO 3.
| During the teaching period | 10% |
Realization of the GIS project designed in the prior assignment. Deliverable is a technical documentation (per group) of a maximum of 10 pages . Addressing ILOs 1 - 4.
| Week 12 | 25% |
One online quiz of 30 minutes. Addressing ILOs 1, 2 & 3 .
| End of the teaching period | 10% |
Recorded project presentation (per individual) of 5 minutes maximum on individual presentation
| During the examination period | 25% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Stephan Winter 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 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Stephan Winter
email: winter@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
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 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Jagannath Aryal
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
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 Master of Data Science Course Master of Geography Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Environmental Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Major Conservation and Restoration Major Climate Change Major Conservation and Restoration Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Climate Change Major Development Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Tailored Specialisation Major Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions Major Sustainable Forests Major Development Major Energy Studies Major Environmental Science Major Energy Studies Major Environmental Science 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: 31 January 2024