Spatial Decision Making
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG2014 | Geography | 2 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- GEOG2014
- School
- Geography
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The module provides students with a grounding in current theory and practice in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It covers multiple contemporary issues in the field and aims to develop practical skills in GIS so that it can be applied as a tool for solving geospatial problems.
Target Students
Available to Geography students and external students (Archaeology and Geography, Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Civil Engineering). Available to Study Abroad/Exchange students with suitable background. Cannot be taken with GEOG2019 or GEOG2029.
Classes
Taught through a combination of lectures and computer practicals.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: 2,000 words (Autumn)
- 50% Group Coursework: 2,000 words (Spring)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
The module enables students to develop a critical awareness of the ideas and practices underpinning GIS as both a technology-led discipline and as a science. This is achieved through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on practical elements. Students will learn the relative advantages and limitations of contemporary GIS technologies to develop well-informed problem-solving skills that shed light on spatial and temporal patterns.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding
- Explain contemporary approaches to GIS.
- Explain how data type, format, and availability impacts the choice of appropriate analytical methods.
- Identify key data quality and presentation considerations when using GIS.
b. Intellectual skills
- Contrast the benefits and shortcomings of using GIS in spatial decision making.
- Devise a carefully considered analytical process for providing answers to problems with a geospatial component.
- Critically evaluate the impact of data quality on spatial decision-making.
c. Professional practical skills
- Use contemporary GIS software to perform a range of spatial data analysis.
- Access, manipulate, and create data in various formats.
- Clearly communicate the outcomes of multi-stage spatio-temporal analysis.
d. Transferable skills
- Frame and scope complex problems.
- Implement scheduling and time management operations.
- Engage in verbal and written communication with peers.