Unit Outline

This unit is designed to provide students studying at the graduate level with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of spatial information. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and basic remote sensing analysis, with a focus on skills development and problem solving. By providing a broad overview of the fundamental forms of spatial data and the applications it can be used for, students will develop a basic skill set in spatial analysis and data handling. This unit is offered at the graduate level, but is aimed at students who have not previously worked with or studied spatial information. Students will explore the fundamental concepts underpinning spatial information, and how to represent variables in a spatial way. Throughout the unit, the potential of spatial information to solve a variety of problems is investigated. This is done in conjunction with computer-based exercises designed to build a strong technical skill set. Concepts that will be introduced include: spatial referencing systems, types of spatial data, creating new datasets, basic image analysis, and data visualisation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Discuss the different types of spatial information that are most relevant or appropriate given a particular scenario
2.	Create new spatial datasets that comply with current standards and conventions
3.	Employ spatial analysis techniques to interpret and derive new information to solve spatially oriented problems
4.	Analyse, interpret and visualise spatial datasets using GIS and other software packages.
5.	Communicate and synthesise complex spatial information using written, cartographic, and other visual means

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KGG102

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has undergone significant change in the past two years, with Mark taking on the role of unit coordinator in 2022. The unit will continue to undergo a period of updates and revision over the next few years, and we welcome student feedback or suggestions as part of this process. From feedback provided in 2023 we have made changes to the unit structure and content. A synchronous seminar (supporting both on campus students and online students) has been organised to focus on practical GIS workflows and common mistakes in using ArcGIS Pro at 5pm on Monday. We have also made significant changes to the workload associated with each of the assignments. All assignments have been re-assessed and reconfigured to provide more scaffolding for students and reduce the study load.

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes have been made including some adjustment to assessment weightings and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2024, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s eVALUate surveys following your completion of the unit.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Seminar	One 1-hour seminar per week. These seminars are designed to focus on practical demonstrations of GIS problem solving workflows.	1	Weekly
	Lecture (Online)	Pre-recorded short videos, each lasting 7-12 minutes and totaling 1 hour, will be provided for you to watch, covering the theoretical content of the unit.	1	Weekly
	Practical	One 3-hour practical in a GIS lab is required, during which you will be guided through a GIS workflow related to the theoretical content covered each week.	3	Weekly
	Independent Learning	You will be required to read provided materials, complete quizzes, and complete assignment work throughout the semester.	6	Weekly
Online	Seminar	One 1-hour seminar per week. These seminars are designed to focus on practical demonstrations of GIS problem solving workflows.	1	Weekly
	Lecture (Online)	Pre-recorded short videos, each lasting 7-12 minutes and totaling 1 hour, will be provided for you to watch, covering the theoretical content of the unit.	1	Weekly
	Online Class	One 3-hour practical in an online class using a virtual lab is required, during which you will be guided through a GIS workflow related to the theoretical content covered each week.	3	Weekly
	Independent Learning	You will be required to read provided materials, complete quizzes, and complete assignment work throughout the semester.	6	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

Students are expected to participate actively and positively in the teaching/learning environment. They must attend classes when and as required, strive to maintain steady progress within the subject or unit framework, comply with workload expectations, and submit required work on time.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Georeferencing and Digitising	Week 6	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Analysis of Digitized Datasets	Week 11	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Quizzes	Refer to Assessment Description	10 %	LO1
Assessment Task 4:	Metadata and Cartography	Refer to Assessment Description	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Georeferencing and Digitising

Task Description:

In this task, you will create a new vector dataset based on a printed map. You will need to digitise components of the map and perform error checking. You will need to provide answers to some short answer questions relating to your dataset and the methods used to create it. You are required to complete this assessment in order to demonstrate attainment of all intended learning outcomes. Completion of this assessment is a unit hurdle task.

Task Length:

Dataset submitted in digital format plus up to two pages of written answers.

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Create a new digital dataset that can be analysed and interpreted in a GIS	LO2, LO4
2	Identify and quantify the potential sources of error when creating a new spatial dataset and their effect on the overall accuracy of the data.	LO1, LO5
3	Document and describe processes used to create and ensure the quality of new spatial datasets.	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Analysis of Digitized Datasets

Task Description:

In this task, you will complete a number of spatial analysis tasks to investigate a digitized area. This task will give you the opportunity to explore spatial datasets and derive new datasets to address a real world problem.

Task Length:

Short report addressing questions relating to analysis methods and outcomes.

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret real world problem and determine spatial analysis techniques to solve the problem	LO2, LO3
2	Perform spatial analysis techniques to derive new information	LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Draw conclusions about a study site based on the outcomes of spatial analysis	LO1, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Quizzes

Task Description:

You will be required to complete 10 quizzes relating to unit content. These quizzes assess your understanding of theoretical concepts covered within the weekly lectures, as well as completion of the corresponding practical exercises and readings.

Task Length:

Ten (10) quizzes completed in weeks 1-3, weeks 5-8, and weeks 10-12. All 10 quiz results of the 10 quizzes will count towards the assessment grade.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply theoretical principles to practical exercises involving spatial datasets	LO1
2	Suggest appropriate spatial datasets and analysis techniques designed to solve a specified problem	LO1

Assessment Task 4: Metadata and Cartography

Task Description:

In this task, you will be required to produce high-quality maps that communicates the outcomes of your analysis clearly and professionally. To accompany the map, you will also prepare a metadata document, describing the data creation and analysis process.

Task Length:

Maps of analysis results that comply to standard cartographic convention and best practices, and a metadata document for datasets derived from GIS workflow that complies with industry standards.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Evaluate the thoroughness and accuracy of the metadata created for the digitized datasets	LO1, LO4, LO5
2	Document and describe processes used to create and ensure the quality of new spatial datasets using industry metadata standards	LO1, LO5
3	Proficiency in applying advanced cartographic techniques and tools	LO2, LO5
4	Visually communicate spatial information using cartographic techniques	LO4, LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

It is strongly recommended that students purchase the following textbook:

A Primer of GIS: Fundamental Geographic and Cartographic Concepts by Francis Harvey. Second Edition, 2015. ISBN: 9781462522170

Readings from this text will be given each week.