GIS1402 Geographic Information Systems

GIS	1402	66941	2, 2007	EXT	Geographic Information Systems	1.00	Toowoomba
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOENS
Academic org:	FOES05
Student contribution band:	2
ASCED code:	031199

Staffing
Rationale
Synopsis
Objectives
Topics
Texts
Reference materials
Student workload
Assessment details
Important assessment information
Assessment notes
Production date
PDF version

STAFFING

Examiner: Badri Basnet
Moderator: Armando Apan

RATIONALE

The course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the capabilities and potential applications of geographic information systems. The theoretical component presented in the text will be complemented by computer based exercises.

SYNOPSIS

The course will cover the basic concepts and principles of geographic 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

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of spatial and geographic information systems (Assignment 1, Assignment 2 and Exam);
discuss the applications of GIS to a wide range of circumstances and demonstrate an understanding of its potential for information management and analysis (Assignment 1, Assignment 2 and Exam);
demonstrate a basic familiarity with GIS software systems (Assignment 2 and Exam);
be capable of preparing an initial design and identifying the information requirements for a geographic information system (Assignment 2 and Exam).

TOPICS

	Description	Weighting (%)
1.	Introduction: Definition, evolution and history of GIS.	5.00
2.	Referencing systems: Scales, projections and coordinate systems.	15.00
3.	GIS data structure and topology: Data structure, formats, topology.	10.00
4.	Data acquisition and input: Data conversion, sources field/image data.	10.00
5.	Data query and management: Querying interface.	10.00
6.	Data analysis: Importance of statistics in GIS, spatial analysis.	10.00
7.	Data presentation: Map components.	10.00
8.	GIS Software: Selection of GIS software.	10.00
9.	GIS Case studies: GIS a multidisciplinary tool for spatial anaysis.	15.00
10.	Future of GIS: remote sensing, web mapping, software and others.	5.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

GIS1402 Geographic Information Systems Study Package, USQ Publication.

Clarke, K C 2003, Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, 4th edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
(CD-ROM included)

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 2002, Geographic Information Systems: an introduction, 3rd edn, Wiley, New York.

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

DeMers, M N 2005, Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, 3rd edn, John Wiley and Sons.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Assessment	51.00
Directed Study	52.00
Examinations	2.00
Private Study	50.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description	Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date
ASSIGNMENT 1	200.00	20.00	03 Sep 2007
ASSIGNMENT 2	200.00	20.00	19 Oct 2007
2 HOUR CLOSED EXAMINATION	600.00	60.00	END S2	(see note 1)

NOTES

1.: Student Administration will advise students of the dates of their examinations during the semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 40% in each of the weighted assessment items and at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
Examination information:
In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
University Regulations:
Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

1.	The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
2.	Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner.
3.	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.
4.	The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
5.	The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
6.	Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
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.	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 one of the temporary grades: IM (Incomplete - Make up), IS (Incomplete - Supplementary Examination) or ISM (Incomplete -Supplementary Examination and Make up). A temporary 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.
9.	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); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).

This version produced 20 Dec 2007.