Mapping our World

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Andrea Ballatore
• Assessment: a 3000-word piece of coursework (100%)

This module aims to introduce you to spatial thinking, as well as to the digital representation of geographical phenomena.

Geographic Information Science (GISc) refers to the theory, practice and the effective use of geo-informatic technologies such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the description, explanation, and prediction of spatial patterns and processes. The course aims to lay the groundwork in GISc and is suitable for those who wish to gain introductory theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills in GIS. The module consists of five topics, each of which is delivered in two sessions:

• A lecture on principle and theory of the topic
• A lab session to gain practical skills in GIS. The topics cover the essential concepts in GIS such as geo-referencing systems, spatial data models, and the foundation for map production and geo-visualisation.

This course will use a specialist GIS software package ArcGIS. We are able to provide you with a free copy of ArcGIS which expires after one year. It gives you the opportunity to undertake substantial part of the self-paced practical elements using a home computer with internet connection.

Indicative module content

• Principles of spatial thinking and geo-literacy
• Introduction to GIS as a support system for spatial thinking
• Basic introduction to geographic data
• Introduction to cartography and map production

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• apply basic spatial reasoning to geographical problems
• interpret cartographic representations of geographic phenomena
• handle spatial data with a contemporary GIS package at basic level
• produce simple maps of geographic phenomena
• demonstrate initial skills in managing time for study and successfully completing tasks to deadlines.