Spatial Decision Making (10cr) Autumn

Code School Level Credits Semesters
GEOG2029 Geography 2 10 Autumn UK
Code
GEOG2029
School
Geography
Level
2
Credits
10
Semesters
Autumn 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 external students (Geography and Archaeology, Environmental Science, Biosciences, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Civil Engineering). Available to Study Abroad/exchange students with suitable background. Cannot be taken with GEOG2014 or GEOG2019. BA/BSc Geography and Geography with Business students should take 20-credit GEOG2014 version of module.

Classes

Taught through a combination of lectures and computer practicals.

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

This 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, developed 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.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.