Unit Outline

As more businesses and scientists adopt geographical information systems (GIS), there is increasing demand for graduates with strong skills in collecting, managing, analysing, and visualising spatial datasets. GIS and spatial analysis skills will be indispensable for almost all careers in geography and geosciences, and students who have advanced skills in this field will be best prepared to enter the job market. This unit will teach you advanced skills in the analysis and presentation of spatial data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and builds on KGG539 Environmental Geographic Information Science, extending your skills in the analysis and presentation of spatial data. The unit covers interpolation, terrain modelling, multi-criteria decision analysis, geodatabases, spatial data quality, and internet mapping. These topics are explored in lectures and weekly practical sessions. Towards the end of the unit, you will work on a GIS project and apply your new spatial analysis skills to tackle real-world spatial problems. Additionally, throughout the unit you will explore GIS research topics in the scientific literature that will prepare you for a research thesis or major project.

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	Evaluate spatial analysis techniques to inform the interpretation and enhancement of spatial datasets.
2	Develop spatial analysis workflows that solve environmental and social problems.
3	Operate geographic information system (GIS) software to generate enhanced spatial information from vector, raster, and non-spatial datasets and produce cartographic and interactive maps.
4	Reflect on the effectiveness of available techniques including scholarly review and critique, collaboration, data analysis and synthesis of results.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KGG102 OR KGG539 OR Admission to P7Q

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 2023. Significant changes to KGG375 have filtered through to this unit and now data collection with GNSS devices will be taught through a field trip to Home Hill in Week 2. 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.

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:	Elevation models and derived drainage networks	Week 6	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Site Suitability and MCDA	Week 10	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Network Analysis	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Elevation models and derived drainage networks

Task Description:

This assignment involves creating two digital elevation models (DEMs) from the Home Hill Field Day, the terrain point survey dataset and the drone point cloud. You will create a GIS model for the derivation of two drainage networks and comparing them. You will then present your results in a report.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Task Length:

You will have to submit a model flowchart and a geoprocessing worksheet documenting the steps of your analysis, and maps showing the results of the analysis and comparison. Additionally, you will have to submit a report to present the results of the assignment. More information will be provided in the assignment handout. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and explain the spatial analysis tools required for solving a real-world spatial data analysis problem	LO1, LO4
2	Develop a GIS model using available tools to create spatial derivatives for comparison	LO1, LO2
3	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Write a report that compares spatial analysis approaches used, and portrays key results.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Site Suitability and MCDA

Task Description:

This assignment consists of a spatial analysis task to address criteria and constraints in a real-world multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) problem. The focus of the first part of the assignment is on generating the spatial data layers and derivatives that are needed to solve the MCDA problem. You will then create a GIS model and determine site suitability based on a combination of raster and vector datasets.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Task Length:

You will have to submit the model flowchart, your geoprocessing worksheet, and a map with the result of the analysis. More information will be provided in the assignment handout. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Evaluate and select spatial analysis tools required for solving a real-world spatial data analysis problem	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Develop a GIS model using available tools to create spatial derivatives and implement a multi-criteria decision analysis	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Demonstrate data organisation skills and practical GIS analysis skills	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Network Analysis

Task Description:

This assignment is a network analysis exercise combining roads network, amenity locations, and census datasets. The assignment aims to identify optimal routes between locations. You will then present your results in a Story Map.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Task Length:

You will have to submit the model flowchart, your geoprocessing worksheet, a results worksheet, and a series of maps of the analysis. Additionally, you will have to submit a Story Map to present the results of the assignment. More information will be provided in the assignment handout. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is allowed only as specifically instructed, and any unauthorised use may be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Evaluate and implement spatial analysis algorithms and produce spatial data layers that address the requirements of a real-world scenario	LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Produce maps with all required cartographic elements to present the output of the analysis	LO1, LO3
4	Create a Story Map that communicates the motivation, compares spatial analysis approaches used, and portrays key results using innovative and engaging map content and media	LO1, LO2, LO3

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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