Geospatial Technologies: Mobile, Augmented and Virtual
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG3022 | Geography | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- GEOG3022
- School
- Geography
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module focuses on the uptake of digital Geographic Information across a wide range of applications in society and the research agenda that is underpinning these developments. We will explore the use of location-aware mobile devices and techniques for geo-visualization that are visually immersive and interactive.
We consider how a convergence of technologies (positioning, communication and processing) has allowed digital geographic information to make an impact ‘beyond the desktop’ at both a global scale through the web, and at a personal scale via the mobile device. Content will include: The changing nature of geographic information; Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI); Mobile Geospatial Computing including field-baased GIS; and Location-Based Services (LBS).
We also consider the role and impact of multi-dimensional geographic visualisation for decision making, environmental impact assessment, and the communication of spatial context. Content will include: Animation; Data for urban and landscape modelling; Landscape Visualisation; Immersion, Augmented and Virtual Realities; 3D Printing; Learning from computer games and online virtual worlds. Content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises.
Target Students
Geography (F800, L700), Environmental Sciences (F759) and Natural Sciences students. This module should be of interest to outside students (for example, from Computer Science and Engineering). Available to incoming exchange students.
Classes
Teaching is through lectures.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework: Design storyboard presented via PowerPoint (1500 words equiv)
- 60% Coursework: Interactive report presented as an ESRI Story Map (2500 word equiv).
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To give students an understanding of the way digital Geographic Information is being used in the public domain, in particular in connection with location-aware mobile devices and multi-dimensional geo-visualization techniques. The module encourages students to think critically about how geospatial technologies can be made to work effectively in these areas, and the research challenges that exist in terms of design and human computer interaction, and the way geography can work alongside other disciplines in this rapidly expanding field.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding
• Appreciate the variety of applications of geographic information in the public domain.
• Appreciate the nature of technology convergence that is allowing geographic information to make an impact beyond desktop GIS.
• Develop an understanding of the opportunities and research challenges presented by location-aware mobile applications and field-based GIS.
• Develop an understanding of the diversity of technologies, techniques and applications regarded as 'Virtual Geographic Environments'.
• Appreciate the technical, ethical and design issues relevant to the visual communication of geographical information in a public context.
b. Intellectual skills
• Assess the ‘fitness for purpose’ of a range of geospatial technologies in a range of different contexts.
• Assess the geographical research challenges involved in the effective and appropriate use of digital geographic representations in the public domain.
c. Professional practical skills
• Explore the capabilities of field-based GIS
• Develop design and evaluation skills in relation to mobile geospatial apps.
• Handle a range of digital geographic information in different contexts.
• Develop skills in workflows for the 3D printing of landscape data.
d. Transferable skills
• Critically evaluate data, techniques and technologies.
• Assess and present the state of the art in an emerging technology area.
• Scope solutions given range of data and technical options.