Overview

This module introduces you to working with geospatial data in research and applied contexts in the natural and environmental sciences. It will provide you with the technical skills and theoretical understanding you would need to design, conduct and interpret your own investigations into a variety of questions. You will acquire a range of transferable skills in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to visualise and analyse spatial data.

Topics include: geospatial data types, including raster, vector, primary and secondary, as well as data collection methods, data export formats, data translation, and data digitisation/dataset creation. Also covered are data projections (OSGB, WGS84 & latitude-longitude); organisation of geospatial data; Structured Query Language (SQL); geoprocessing, such as overlay and Boolean data; spatial sampling, modelling and analytical approaches; and spatial interpolation.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D): A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the key principles for the collection and application of geospatial data. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret data from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. Some evidence of evaluation of appropriate the quality of geospatial data to select the most appropriate source. Evidence of ability to use GIS software to produce relevant visualisations and analysis to a specific question.

Good (C to B): A good student should have thorough factual knowledge of the collection and application of geospatial data, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments. The quality of geospatial data is well-considered when selecting the most appropriate source. Students will show competence in using GIS software to produce good quality, accurate visualisations and informative analysis for a particular research question.

Excellent (A): An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments. Highly considered evaluation of the quality of geospatial data when selecting the most appropriate source. Students will show skilful use of GIS software to produce high quality, well-structured and accurate visualisations and insightful analysis for a particular research question.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply GIS skills to explore and interpret geospatial data in a variety of research-related and applied contexts across the natural and environmental sciences and to communicate geospatial information effectively via the creation of maps.

• Critically evaluate the quality of various sources of geospatial data and select the most appropriate ones for solving research or applied problems.

• Design and implement protocols for spatial data collection/extraction and analysis leading to critical interpretation of findings.

• Make effective use of Geographical Information System (GIS) software to manipulate, analyse and display different forms of geospatial data.