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, geospatial science and geosciences, and students who have advanced skills in this field will be best prepared to enter the job market. This unit builds on KGG102 Introduction to Spatial Information and will give you more advanced 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 interactive seminars 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. The unit is likely to be of interest to students in geography, environmental studies, conservation studies, earth sciences, plant science, zoology, agricultural science, computing and information systems, archaeology, and engineering.

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 analysis techniques to inform the interpretation and enhancement of spatial datasets.
2	Document spatial analysis workflows that contribute to solving 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.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KGG102 Introduction to Spatial Information

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has undergone incremental changes since Mark has taken over as unit coordinator in 2023. The unit now contains a geomorphological and hydrological field mapping exercise using GNSS devices and Field Maps at Home Hill in Week 2. 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 teaching 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
Assessment Task 2:	Site Suitability and MCDA	Week 10	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Network Analysis Assignment	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Elevation models and derived drainage networks

Task Description:

This assignment involves creating elevation surfaces from the Home Hill Field Day data collection exercise. You will create derivatives and maps of your analysis and then present your results in a report.

Task Length:

You will have to submit a report of your analysis, including maps and short answer questions. 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 the spatial analysis tools required for solving a real-world spatial data analysis problem	LO1
2	Develop a GIS model using available tools to create spatial derivatives for comparison	LO2
3	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Create a Story Map that communicates the motivation, compares spatial data capture approaches used, and portrays key results using innovative and engaging map content and media	LO1, LO2, LO3

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. You will generate 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. You will also complete a short in-class (or online) hurdle task in which you demonstrate your model by running your workflow and explaining the key components of your analysis. You must pass this component of the assessment to successfully complete the unit.

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	Identify the spatial analysis tools required for solving a real-world spatial data analysis problem	LO1, LO2
2	Develop a GIS model to create spatial derivatives and implement a multi-criteria decision analysis	LO3
3	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO2
4	Organise and manipulate spatial data for GIS analysis	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Network Analysis Assignment

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.

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	Implement spatial analysis algorithms and produce spatial data layers that address the requirements of a real-world scenario	LO2, LO3
2	Present spatial analysis workflow and results using a geoprocessing worksheet and model flow chart	LO1, LO2
3	Produce maps with all required cartographic elements to present the output of the analysis	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.

AT2 is a hurdle requirement, and you must pass this assessment to successfully complete the unit. This requires achieving at least 50% in AT2 and passing a short in-class (or online) demonstration of your model, during which you will run your workflow and explain the key components of your analysis. To satisfy the hurdle requirement, you must pass both the overall assessment and the demonstration component. Failure to pass either component will result in an unsuccessful completion of 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