Unit Outline

KGG216

Geospatial Techniques in Engineering

Semester 2, 2025

Steve Harwin

School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences

College of Sciences and Engineering

CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

What is the Unit About?

Unit Description

Modern geospatial data collection and analysis is a critical component of civil engineering projects. Whilst much of this work is undertaken by geospatial professionals, it is important for civil engineers to understand and appraise geospatial measurements and outcomes in the context of efficient and accurate project deliverables.

In this unit you will learn how to undertake geospatial data collection and to evaluate geospatial datasets using techniques such as satellite positioning, satellite and drone remote sensing, laser scanning, and geographic information systems. You will also learn how to interpret and evaluate auxiliary information that defines the limitations of a given geospatial dataset for a specific application, e.g. coordinate systems, map projections, and measurement errors.

The unit has a focus on practical experiences and review of real-world applications for geospatial data to provide a deep understanding of the importance of these techniques in the efficient delivery of engineering project outcomes.

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	Acquire geospatial data using a range of specialist instruments and techniques.
2	Analyse geospatial data acquired from a range of specialist instruments and techniques.
3	Explain the principles of working with coordinated geospatial data.
4	Compare geospatial techniques to design solutions for engineering problems.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KMA154

Alterations as a result of student feedback

See 2018

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Practical	In these classes you will undertake data collection and analysis using specialist instruments, techniques and software.	3	Weekly
Online	Workshop (On Campus)	Technical information and example applications will be discussed during these classes.	2	Weekly
Online	Independent Learning	Self-scheduled independent study of approximately 3 hours per week. During this time you are expected to engage with reading and study materials, prepare for assignments and complete a range of online self-directed learning activities each week.	2	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 or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, 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.

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:	Geospatial Project - Case Study	Week 14	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Module Quizzes	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Practical Report Submissions	Refer to Assessment Description	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Geospatial Project - Case Study

Task Description:

You will undertake self-directed research to extend your learning beyond the provided unit content. You will be given a case-study to consider in regards to the benefits of including geospatial technologies to achieve the specified outcomes. As part of your report you will propose a geospatial data collection and analysis work-plan and provide justification of how this plan will enable the project aims to be achieved.

Task Length:

750-1000 words

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Appraise geospatial technologies in regards to achieving project aims and outcomes.	LO4
2	Explain how geospatial data collection and analysis techniques can be used to derive a solution to a specified engineering problem.	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 2: Module Quizzes

Task Description:

You will undertake 1 MyLO quiz every 4 weeks (3 in total).

These quizzes will be completed in-class and accessed via MyLO quiz tab in weeks 5, 9 and 13.

These quizzes will assess your engagement with, and understanding of the online and in-class content for each module. Questions will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer styles and will be randomly selected for each student.

Task Length:

3 x 1 hour quizzes completed in-person via online platform

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain geospatial data collection concepts	LO1
2	Assess the quality of geospatial datasets.	LO2
3	Explain coordinate attributes for a given set of geospatial data	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Practical Report Submissions

Task Description:

You will undertake a range of practical activities for each of the 3 unit modules. Practical fieldwork is mostly undertaken as a group but reports will be completed individually.

Each of the unit modules will require you to submit a technical report based on your practical activities and outcomes.

Each report is due 1 week after the completion of the final practical exercise in each module.

The reports are worth 15% each. These reports will assess your engagement with, and understanding of the practical activities, i.e. the use of equipment and software and the analysis of spatial datasets for a given application.

Task Length:

3 reports, each approximately 3-5 pages of written, analytical and graphical information

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply field and office techniques to collect and analyse geospatial datasets.	LO1, LO2
2	Appraise the limitations of equipment and methodologies for a given application.	LO2
3	Appraise datum and error components of geospatial datasets.	LO2, LO3
4	Analyse the effectiveness of geospatial data in achieving specified project outcomes.	LO4

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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

Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.