Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Department: Geography

GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap 100 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Geospatial technologies have changed the way businesses and policy makers solve problems and the way scientists understand the dynamics of the environment. They have also become part of our everyday life through applications like Google Earth and portable navigation devices. As such, they have generated new fields of expertise and continue to inspire new applications around the world. This module aims to provide to the students a sound grounding in the theory and application of geospatial technologies.
  • The objectives of this module are:
  • to introduce concepts of spatial representations of the human and physical worlds
  • to develop skills in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing software, and in spatial data analysis
  • to understand the role of GIS and Remote Sensing in addressing a range of spatially-related applications

Content

  • The module provides grounding in remote sensing, GIS and spatial data analysis. When combined, these three provide powerful analytical skills that underpin research and applications in Geography and other disciplines. Recent advances in internet and mapping devices, combined with advances in imaging the earth from airborne and satellite platforms, highlight the relevance that geospatial technologies have for human and physical Geography specialisms. Recent advances in internet and mapping devices, combined with advances in imaging the earth from airborne and satellite platforms, highlight the relevance that geospatial technologies have for human and physical Geography specialisations. Specific topics which will be covered during the module include:
  • Introduction to the principles of earth observation#
  • Remote sensing systems and applications
  • Digital image processing and pattern recognition
  • Modelling the real world
  • Representation of geographical data and information
  • Spatial analysis of human-environment relations
  • Critical and participatory GIS
  • Introduction to concepts and methods for spatial data analysis, including notions of:
  • Point patterns
  • Spatial autocorrelation
  • Spatial prediction
  • Scale, shape and direction

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students are expected to:
  • Understand some of the key applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in human and physical geography
  • Understand the benefits and limitations of spatial information techniques
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students are expected to:
  • Use spatial information software to handle and analyse geographical datasets
  • Have practised the use of GIS and Remote Sensing software
Key Skills:
  • Students are expected to:
  • Understand the workflow of a geospatial project
  • Be able to work as a team and independently on a basic geospatial project
  • Present logical written arguments supported with spatial evidence
  • Be able to critically select the geospatial technologies that can be utilised in a given application

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Basic facts, technical information and areas of application will be introduced and explained through lectures.
  • Key concepts of spatial information will be introduced and discussed in lectures
  • Hands-on tuition in the use of spatial information software will take place during the field class and through practical sessions
  • Workshops will be used both to enhance understanding of concepts and techniques and to support individual learning of software
  • The field class will introduce students to skills of collecting spatial data in the field. Students will work in small groups to navigate to survey points and collect a range of geographical information. After the field class, students will learn how to integrate and analyse the data they collected in a subsequent computer-based practical class. Some lectures will build on ideas introduced in the field
  • An unseen examination will be used to test knowledge of basic facts and understanding of concepts related to geographical information and spatial information systems
  • Student projects will be used to consolidate and develop techniques of data analysis and use of proprietary software

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 11 Varies 1 or 2 hours 16
Practicals 8 Varies 1 or 2 hours 10
Workshops 7 Varies 1 or 2 hours 8
Seminar (Project Formulation) 1 Term 2 1 hour 1
Field class 1 Term 1 1 day 7
Preparation and Reading 158
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Exam Component Weighting: 67%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen exam 2 hours 100%
Component: Project (group submission) Component Weighting: 11%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Wiki report based on practical project Wiki equivalent to 5xA4 pages 100%
Component: Project (individual submission) Component Weighting: 22%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Technical report with critical appraisal 5 x sides A4 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback will be provided on the Wiki project proposal in Term 1 and the technical report proposal in term 2.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University