GEOGY328-20A (HAM)

Geographical Information Systems

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Geography

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Caroline Schweder

Caroline Schweder
I.2.13
See Moodle
caroline.schweder@waikato.ac.nz

Lars Brabyn

Lars Brabyn
9170
I.2.13
See Moodle
lars.brabyn@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: frances.douch@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: nat.enright@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a widely used computer technology for organising and analysing information associated with space, which includes land-use, water, environment, people, and primary and service based industries. Consequentially most Government organisations and 100s of private companies employ GIS graduates, including the defence force. This paper will introduce the main concepts of GIS, and provide you with the skills to apply GIS to a range of spatial problems.

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Paper Structure

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The Geographical Information Systems paper runs for one semester, and involves a final test. Most teaching weeks will involve 2 hours theory and 2 hours of computer laboratory work. You are expected to work an additional 9 hours in your own time experimenting with the GIS software, reading, and reviewing notes.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this course students are expected to be able to:

    • Describe the key features and functions of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
    • Discuss the capabilities and limitations of GIS
    • Describe the mechanics of GIS including database structures and models
    • Design and implement a GIS project using GIS software and present this in a scientific poster format
    • Perform a range of GIS operations including data input, buffering, geo-referencing, model building and use GIS software for spatial analysis, network analysis, surface modelling, 3-D visualisation, network analysis, and terrain analysis.
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Please refer to the additional information on each assessment shown on Moodle.

The final grade might be scaled to ensure that the distribution of the class grades is reasonably consistent with other papers.
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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Seven computer laboratory exercises
35
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Ten multi-choice quizzes
19 Jun 2020
11:30 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. A project poster
12 Jun 2020
11:30 PM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. A final test
19 Jun 2020
11:30 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Recommended Readings

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The central library contains many books and journals on GIS. It is recommended that you read a general text book on GIS. The following ebooks are available:

  • Crampton, J. W. (2010). Mapping: a critical introduction to cartography and GIS [ebook]. Chichester, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from Wiley-Blackwell Online Books.
  • Fazal, S. (2008). GIS basics. Retrieved from ebrary database
  • Galati, S. R., & ebrary Inc. (2006). Geographic information systems demystified [ebook]. Retrieved from ebrary database
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Online Support

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Lectures will be videoed and available through Moodle. Some library resources are available online. Due to the nature of this technical paper, support is provided in person mostly in the labs. Lab data, and GIS software is available from the following Google Drive folder:

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Workload

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You can expect to spend 150 hours in total on this paper. This consist of 24 hours of lectures and 20 hours of supported lab time. You are expected to also work in the labs during your own time as well as do additional reading and assessment preparation.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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This paper is co-taught with GEOG558
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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: GEOG328

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