Unit Outline

This unit is designed to give students a general overview of spatial information and its applications. Spatial information is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of our daily lives. The ability to incorporate spatial information into various applications is a valuable skill, with applications across all manner of disciplines and vocations. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ESRI ArcGIS Pro. In this unit, students will learn the fundamental concepts underpinning spatial information, and how to represent a variety of variables in a spatial way. Content in this unit is technical in nature, although delivered at the introductory level for students who may be curious about the potential of spatial information, and want to develop a basic skillset to analyse and interpret datasets. Concepts that will be introduced include: spatial referencing systems, types of spatial data, creating new datasets, basic vector analysis, and data visualisation through maps.

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	Explain the different types of spatial datasets and their relevant applications
2	Create new spatial datasets that comply with current standards and conventions
3	Employ basic spatial analysis techniques to solve spatially oriented problems
4	Utilise GIS and other software package to visualise and inspect spatial datasets
5	Communicate spatial information using written, cartographic, and other visual means

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KGG539

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has undergone significant change in the past four years, with Mark taking on the role of unit coordinator in 2022. In response to student feedback and changes to the learning environment with online technologies and AI, a new quiz assessment has been introduced in 2026. This quiz includes recorded answers and is designed to assess your understanding of the foundations of spatial data, by explaining key concepts in your own words. The goal is to support learning through early reflection, strengthen conceptual understanding, and help students identify any gaps before progressing to more advanced material. The remaining assessments have been further refined to walk you through the process of data creation, spatial analysis, documentation, and cartography as a process than mimics industry practice.

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s feedback 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 complete practical and 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. Synchronous students will attend via Zoom. Asynchronous students will watch the recording.	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. Both synchronous and asynchronous student will watch these recordings.	1	Weekly
	Online Class	One 3-hour practical in an online class and using a virtual lab is required, during which you will be guided through a GIS workflow related to the theoretical content covered each week. Synchronous students will attend via Zoom. Asynchronous students will work through material independently.	3	Weekly
	Independent Learning	You will be required to complete practical and assignment work throughout the semester. Both synchronous students and asynchronous students will work through independent learning.	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 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.

The quiz assessment is a hurdle task and you will be required to complete three (3) quizzes and obtain a pass in this assessment to successfully complete 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:	Georeferencing and Digitising	Week 6	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Vector Analysis and Metadata	Week 9	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Raster Analysis and Cartography	Week 13	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Quizzes	Refer to Assessment Description	15 %	LO1, 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 prepare a short report with outputs from the data creation process.

Task Length:

Short report with outputs from the data creation process. 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:

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	Explain the potential sources of error when creating a new spatial dataset and quantify 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: Vector Analysis and Metadata

Task Description:

In this task, you will complete a number of vector analysis tasks to investigate a digitised area. To accompany the report, you will also prepare a metadata document, describing the data creation and analysis process.

Task Length:

Short report with outputs of the analysis and a metadata statement. 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 9

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
4	Document and describe processes used to create and ensure the quality of new spatial datasets using industry metadata standards	LO1, LO2, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Raster Analysis and Cartography

Task Description:

In this task, you will be required to undertake raster analysis and produce high-quality maps that communicates the outcomes of your analysis clearly and professionally. You will prepare a short report with outputs from the analysis and cartographic process.

Task Length:

A short report with outputs of the analysis and maps that comply to standard cartographic convention. 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 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Proficiency in applying advanced cartographic techniques and tools	LO2, LO5
2	Visually communicate spatial information using cartographic techniques	LO4, LO5
3	Accuracy and integrity of spatial data representation, including appropriate use of symbology, labels, and supporting datasets	LO4, LO5
4	Interpret real world problem and determine spatial analysis techniques to solve the problem	LO2, LO3
5	Perform spatial analysis techniques to derive new information	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Quizzes

Task Description:

You will be required to complete three (3) quizzes as short, recorded video responses. These quizzes will focus on your understanding of the fundamental theoretical concepts covered in lectures, as well as the associated practical exercises and readings. They are designed to assess your grasp of the core principles that underpin geospatial data, analysis, and communication. This assessment is a hurdle task and a pass in this assessment is required to successfully complete the unit.

Task Length:

For each quiz, the student will be expected to capture a video response that addresses questions about the content covered in the weeks prior to the quiz. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assessment is not allowed, and any use will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

15 %

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
3	Communicate understanding of spatial concepts and methods clearly and concisely using oral explanation	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.

The quiz assessment is a hurdle task and you will be required to complete three (3) quizzes and obtain a pass in this assessment to successfully complete the unit.

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.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

The following textbook is available through the library (online):

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.