GIS 1402 Geographic Information Systems

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
GIS1402111281, 2002WEBGeographic Information Systems1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOENS
Academic Org:FOES05
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:031199

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Armando Apan
Moderator: Frank Young



RATIONALE:

This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the capabilities and potential applications of geographic information systems. The theory of the course will be supported by the practical application of geographic information systems software.


SYNOPSIS:

The course will cover the basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems including land information systems, facilities management systems and natural resource information systems. Topics to be covered include components of GIS, data structures and formats, hardware, software, spatial reference frameworks, analysis techniques, data capture and management, and applications to resource and environmental management.


OBJECTIVES:


On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Understand the concepts of spatial and geographic information systems.

  • Be aware of the applications of GIS to a wide range of circumstances and understand the potential of GIS for information management and analysis.

  • Have a basic familiarity with GIS software systems.

  • Be capable of preparing an initial design and identifying the information requirements for a geographic information system.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Concepts of information systems and information management.
    		 5.00
    2. Management of spatial information and sources of GIS data.
    		 10.00
    3. Hardware and software components of GIS.
    		 10.00
    4. Capture and conversion of spatial data for a GIS.
    		 10.00
    5. Analysis and modelling techniques using geographic information systems.
    		 10.00
    6. Preparation of products from GIS output, cartographic elements of map.
    		 10.00
    7. Availability of spatial data, data quality, assessment of data accuracy.
    		 10.00
    8. Interpolation of spatial data, classification of geographical data sets.
    		 10.00
    9. Designing and managing a geographic information system, choosing a GIS.
    		 10.00
    10. Advances in information system technology, decision support system and expert systems.
    		 5.00
    11. Applications of GIS to land administration, natural resource and environmental management.
    		 10.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    TNTLite software (in CD-ROM), needs to be purchased from the USQ Bookshop. (Purchasing TNTLite is not necessary if you have access to this software or have already purchased one for other courses).




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Bernhardsen T Geographic Information Systems, Viak IT/Norwegian Mapping Authority, 1999.

    Burrough P A Principles of Geographical Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment, Claredon Press, 1986.

    Burrough P A and McDonnell R A Principles of Geographical Information Systems, Oxford University Press, 1998.

    Clarke K C Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, Prentice Hall, 1999.

    DeMers M N Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, John Wiley and Sons, 2000.

    Huxhold W E A Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems, Oxford Press, 1990.

    Juppenlatz M and Tian X Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, McGraw Hill, 1996.

    Korte G B The GIS Book, Onword Press, 1997.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Private Study50


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    GIS ASSIGNMENT 1200.0020.00Y04 Mar 2002 (see note 1)
    GIS ASSIGNMENT 2200.0020.00Y04 Mar 2002 (see note 2)
    3 HOUR CLOSED EXAMINATION600.0060.00YEND S1 (see note 3)
    NOTES:
    1.
    Further details about the due dates are detailed in the assessment section of the Course Specifications.
    2.
    Further details about the due dates are detailed in the assessment section of the Course Specifications.
    3.
    Further details about the due dates are detailed in the assessment section of the Course Specifications.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. To receive a passing grade in this course a student must normally achieve at least 45% in each of the assessments and at least 50% of the available marks for the course.
    2. A minimum standard of communication skills must be demonstrated in order for a passing grade to be achieved.
    3. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must submit the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the submit date, if requested by the Examiner.
    4. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner.
    5. In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
    6. If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of up to 20% of the total marks for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    7. In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
    8. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying will NOT accept submission of hand written or typed assignments by facsimile, e- mail or computer diskette. Students in remote locations who do not have regular access to postal services may be given special consideration.
    9. The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the assessments in the course.
    10. A closed examination is an examination where the candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
    11. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying does not offer supplementary examinations.
    12. Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete - Make up). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non directed personal study.
    13. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up; IDSM (Incomplete Deferred Examination and Make-up).