GV2GIS-Geographical Information Systems

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rob Fry
Email: r.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Rob Fry
Email: r.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module introduces students to the principles, techniques and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Following an online introductory lecture the focus is 'hands-on', based on a series of practical sessions to introduce students to basic tasks including: working with different types of spatial data and their storage and management; setting coordinate systems and projections; geoprocessing, creating and editing data, spatial analysis, symbology, labelling and map design.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to teach the principles and applications of GIS (ArcGIS), providing students with the technical skills and understanding to analyse spatial data and create professional maps.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• Manage, add, interrogate and save different types of data in a GIS.


• Obtain spatial and digital map information (e.g. aerial imagery, topographic basemaps, geology and landcover maps, landscape feature data) from relevant sources.


• Create and edit new spatial data (points, lines and polygons).


• Understand and apply suitable symbology and labels.


• Apply basic spatial functions and queries on their data.


• Produce maps of publication standard.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also learn about and be expected to employ appropriate file management for saving and storing their data.

Outline content:

The first half of the term follows a series of step-by-step practicals based on the Reading University Campus. These introduce students to the potential of GIS including: data types and data input; data display and 'on-screen' digitising; coordinate systems; geoprocessing; spatial analysis, symbology, labelling and map composition and design. Students are expected to complete a short field-based exercise in week 2 or 3. The remaining practical sessions during the second half of the term allow students to develop their new GIS skills further, by working on a suitability analysis project. The choice of topic varies but recent examples include: suitability analysis to identify potential sites for new housing developments / new woodland planting for flood risk mitigation / siting wind farms for renewable energy generation.

Global context:

The module is UK-based due to data availability. Students learn key techniques that can be used for global case studies in other modules and dissertations. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The approach is practical and 'hands-on' with most of the teaching and learning taking place in computer labs. Students will be encouraged to consolidate techniques learnt during practical sessions in their own time. Additional support sessions will be arranged throughout the term which students can sign up to. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2
Practicals classes and workshops	22
Fieldwork	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Advance preparation for classes	22
Preparation of practical report	37
Revision and preparation	3
Reflection	2
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	60
Practical skills assessment	20
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is 100% assessed through coursework (2 assessments).

1. Campus Map (40%) – students will submit 1* A4 map of publication standard and complete an online Blackboard test which evaluates their learning and demonstrates their GIS skills and understanding (word count max. 400 words).

Students have the choice of 2 maps to design for the assessment.

Submission date: Thursday in Week 5 of the Autumn Term

2. Suitability Analysis Project (60%) –students will complete a suitability analysis based on a set of criteria. The submission will include a minimum of three professionally designed A4 maps accompanied by a short written report summarising the techniques and data used and main results (word count max. 600 words).

Students can choose 1 of 3 topics to for their suitability analysis.

Submission date: Thursday in Week 1 of the Spring Term

Formative assessment methods:

Students may be expected to undertake formative assignments on specific technical topics related to learning complex software.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment will be a re-submission of any part of the coursework or test (usually the topic not already attempted unless formally agreed).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023