GEOG20502 Spatial Thinking with GIS: Constructing and Exploring Virtual Worlds

Undergraduate course, The University of Manchester, 2024

Overview

Geography is about much more than mapping. However, the construction, analysis and interpretation of maps are still fundamental to the discipline and central to what it means to be a Geographer. Geographical Information Science (GISc) and associated systems (GIS), allow us to go beyond mapping and into the realm of virtual words. We can use a range of spatial data sources to generate new knowledge about people and places, about the built and natural environment and about the fundamental processes which shape our world. If you’ve always been intrigued by maps and the power of location, this is the course for you. Lecture examples and practical work encompasses both human and physical geography. You will also be encouraged to explore ways in which what you learn might be applied to your personal interests in Geography. Assessments comprise a space-time assessment of student locations (Block 1 - Assignment 1) and a choice from three guided practicals related to the analysis of distance, terrain and site suitability (Block 2 - Assignment 2). You will complete all three guided practicals, but submit one practical write up for Assignment 2.

Aims

Explain the value of GIS and how it can be used for geographical problem solving;

Outline the basic theoretical principles behind GIS and spatial thinking;

Explore key GIS analysis techniques and how they can be used;

Introduce ArcGIS Pro & provide practical experience of a range of GIS functions;

Help you to develop a critical approach to the application of GIS;

Make you more aware of the wealth of applications of GIS in human & physical geography.

Teaching and learning methods

GEOG20501 is delivered through a mix of teaching methods over two Blocks. Block 1 runs Weeks 1-3 and Block 2 Weeks 5-12. Study Weeks are usually Weeks 4 and 8. The course is normally delivered entirely within a suitable computer laboratory. There are three hours of classes per week. An additional hour may be timetabled for administrative purposes with the core three hours confirmed via the unit’s e-learning pages. Individual sessions may include lecture-based or practical-based content depending on the week.

Lectures are used throughout the course to provide the theoretical underpinning of GIS and the analysis techniques covered in the unit. Lecture slots provide an opportunity for questions and discussion. Practicals use ArcGIS Pro. The practical sessions are a mix of staff and demonstrator led sessions (depending on student numbers). Block 1 has a series of guided practicals and activities building towards Assignment 1. Block 2 uses a set of semi-independent practicals each with dedicated timetable slots. Timetabled practical surgeries provide extra support in addition to staff consultation hours.

It is strongly advised that students wishing to take this unit have access to a suitable Windows -based computer for private study. All students have free access to installation software for home use, but the software is only available for Windows 10 operating systems. ArcGIS Pro software is not available for Mac OS X. To check that your personal computer meets the minimum hardware and software requirements, see https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/arcgis-pro-system-requirements.htm Please contact gistechnical@manchester.ac.uk if you have any questions about hardware or software requirements. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to make alternative arrangements for software access.

Information will also be provided about how to access follow-up non-assessed ‘training’ practicals produced by the software provider, e.g. for self-study for the dissertation. Software and additional practicals are available free of charge to University of Manchester students.

Knowledge and understanding

Define GIS and have a knowledge of the basic principles of spatial thinking with GIS.

Identify and characterise different ways of representing the world with GIS, including their presentation.

Appreciate and understand a variety of spatial data analysis techniques with reference to a number of geographical examples.

Intellectual skills

Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of ways of representing the real world within a GIS.

Explain and evaluate a variety of spatial data analysis techniques with reference to a number of geographical examples.

Critical reflection on results obtained through GIS analysis.

Practical skills

Collect, input, interrogate and map data using ArcGIS Pro

Perform basic spatial analysis functions in ArcGIS Pro

Designing a GIS analysis project, including the use of logic charts

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Data handling and management

Information collation, evaluation and analysis, including the use of Internet based resources

Research skills and question formulation

Cartographic and report production skills

Project planning

Communicating technical materials

Team-working and independent work

Assessment methods

Assignment 1: Space-Time Exercise. Individual Report 1500 words 40%

Assignment 2: Individual Coursework Portfolio 2000 words 60%

Formative Assessment Task:

Practical work Word length: optional Feedback methods

Assignment 1: Individual written feedback via Turnitin

Assignment 2: Individual written feedback via Turnitin

Formative practical work: Group feedback and self assessment

Bingdian Wang