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Mapping our World

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
  • Convenor: Dr Roberto Murcio
  • Assessment: a 1000-word data analysis project (40%) and 2000-word GIS project (60%)

Module description

In this module, we introduce you to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS), which refers to the theory, practice and effective use of geoinformatics technologies for the description, explanation and prediction of spatial patterns and processes. We aim to lay the groundwork in GIS as a fundamental technical skill to support your studies.

The module consists of five topics, each of which is delivered in two sessions:

  • a lecture on principle and theory of the topic
  • a lab session to gain practical skills in GIS. The topics cover the essential concepts in GIS such as geo-referencing systems, spatial data models, and the foundation for map production and geo-visualisation.

We will use a specialist, open-source GIS software package, QGIS, which is free to download. This gives you the opportunity to complete a substantial part of the self-paced practical elements using a home computer.

Indicative syllabus

  • Descriptive statistics and graph presentation for geographical and environmental data
  • Secondary data collection and data processing
  • Data analysis through programming with R
  • Collection of geospatial data through fieldwork
  • Introduction to cartography and map production
  • Basic introduction to geographic data
  • Introduction to GIS as a support system for spatial thinking
  • Principles of geo-literacy

Field and laboratory experience 

You will visit Cambridge on a one-day trip to collect geospatial data in an urban environment.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • collect geospatial data from primary and secondary sources
  • carry out data processing and statistical analysis
  • carry out statistical analysis through programming using R
  • represent geographical phenomena using digital formats
  • apply basic spatial reasoning to geographical problems
  • interpret cartographic representations of geographic phenomena
  • handle spatial data with a contemporary GIS package at a basic level
  • produce simple maps of geographic phenomena
  • understand data models and data formats for geospatial data
  • carry out geoprocessing analysis and interpret the outcome
  • write professional reports that reflect analytical thinking and interpretation of quantitative geospatial data 
  • demonstrate initial skills in managing time for study and successfully completing tasks to deadlines.