This module will develop skills, knowledge and confidence in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for geographical enquiry. Students will be introduced to the underlying principles of GIS and spatial data analysis. As they advance through the course more advanced analysis techniques will be introduced which may include: grid algebra, cost-distance analysis, interpolation and surface analysis, and batch processing. These skills will be demonstrated through a project-based assessment allowing the students to apply what they have learnt to a specific geo-informatics issue / problem-based scenario.

Weekly GIS workshops form the core of the teaching for this practical applied skills module. It will largely be problem based, with key concepts introduced at the beginning and feedback offered during the workshops. As this module concentrates on delivering practical based material it is felt to be more appropriate to assess it entirely by coursework. Students will be asked to create an environmental site parameters table based on a literature review. This is a formative piece of work which will be used to help plan the GIS site selection report (and will form part of that report) – feedback will be provided on this as the basis for their eventual site selection model. In addition, as this module is delivered hands-on in the GIS laboratories, students receive weekly feedback in class as they are working with the software and have ample opportunities to check and test their GIS skills.

Assessment 1 (100%) GIS report including maps and GIS code. Students will be required to undertake a site suitability assessment in a region of the UK to assess its suitability for a new crop under existing (2020-30) and future climates (2060-70). For the report to be considered for a pass grade it must be accompanied by appropriate maps, tables and output from a GIS. The site parameters summary table will link to LO 2 and feeds directly into the successful delivery of the final GIS report which tests LO (1-6).

This is a very practical skills-development module and therefore requires students to spend considerable time becoming familiar with a complex piece of GIS software (ArcGIS and QGIS). The module will be delivered through a weekly 2 hour face to face workshop where students individually progress through practical activities with staff guidance. In addition, all students are expected to attend a further 2-hour workshop each week where they practice the skills learnt and apply them to formative homework tasks. Independent learning will then be required for the students to complete the project-based assessment.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Understand the underlying principles of GIS analysis, and the core spatial structures on which GIS are based.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. To understand the difference between primary and secondary data sources used in GIS and how to load them correctly into the system for display and analysis.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
3. Query, manipulate and analyse spatial datasets within a GIS.

University Learning Outcome
Application Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
4. Batch process spatial analysis tasks, using a variety of environmental datasets.

University Learning Outcome
Application

Module Learning Outcome
5. Undertake a substantive piece of spatial analysis in response to a site location problem. To prepare a report and relevant GIS output (digital maps and methods) to detail the methods used and conclusions drawn.

University Learning Outcome
Problem solving Analysis Communication Reflection

High quality teaching GIS laboratory space (S102) for face to face workshops with usual audio-visual facilities.

Up to date ArcGIS software and QGIS software.

Library resources both online and physical to support research.

Brewer C A (2005) Designing better maps: a guide for GIS users. ESRI, Redmond.

De Smith, M. J., Goodchild, M., Longley, P. A. (2020) Geospatial Analysis. A comprehensive Guide to Principles, Techniques and Software Tools. 6th Edition available free online at https://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/ ESRI (2020) The ArcGIS Book. 10 Big Ideas about Applying the Science of Where. Available open access online here https://learn.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-book/

Heywood I, Cornelius S and Carver S (2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson. London.

Longley, P.A., et. al (2010) (3rd Edition), Geographic Information Systems and Science (Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd).

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Geographic Information Systems are ubiquitous data analysis tools in all avenues of environmental science and play a key role in the analysis of climate change data. Modelling the impact of a changing climate on real locations takes theory into practice. GIS skills are highly valued by employers and demonstrate critical thinking, IT literacy and data visualisation skills. This module is delivered by a Chartered GIS specialist and is tailored to the tools you need in the workplace.