GEOG 2151 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course builds upon the foundation GIS knowledge and skills acquired at the introductory level and guides students in the development of increasingly sophisticated spatial analysis capabilities. Theory will include detail of the history and applications of GIS and the science behind the spatial modelling techniques employed in the practical exercises. The course has a strong practical focus, and students will gain experience in distance evaluation and the construction, manipulation and interpretation of raster data sets in a GIS environment.

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Course Details

Course Code	GEOG 2151
Course	Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Coordinating Unit	Geography, Environment and Population
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Prerequisites	GEST 2029, GEOG 2129, or SOIL&WAT 3007WT, or SOIL&WAT 3014WT
Incompatible	GEST 2051
Assessment	Participation (10%), minor practical report (20%), major practical project (30%), exam (40%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Julie Franzon

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1	Perform sophisticated raster and vector GIS analysis in a GIS environment
2	Demonstrate understanding of the structure, advantages and limitations of raster datasets
3	Develop a broad appreciation of spatial analysis techniques and application areas
4	Develop specific skills in the construction and manipulation of raster data sets
5	Explore and solve spatial problems using GIS techniques and technology
6	Develop skills in the creation, management and delivery of spatial data in an online GIS environment

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1, 2, 4, 5, 6
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 4, 5, 6
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	2, 3, 5
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	3, 5, 6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Book Title: An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4th Edition)
Author: Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, Steve Carver
Year: 2011
Publisher: Pearson Education Limited
ISBN-13: 978 0 273 72259 5

This book is available to purchase from Unibooks. The Barr Smith Library also holds one reserve copy, with two available for general borrowing. Readings are set for all lectures and some workshops, and are expected to be completed BEFORE the lecture or workshop. The 3rd Edition of this textbook can also be used in 2013.

Optional/Alternative Textbook

Book Title: Geographical Information Systems
Author: Julie Delaney and Kimberley Van Niel
Year: 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN-13: 978-0-195-55607-0

Copies of this book are also available to purchase from Unibooks. This book is useful as it is written be Australian authors and provides Australian examples of GIS in action.

Online Learning

MyUni is an important learning tool and means of communication and knowledge exchange in this course. It provides the students with course materials, announcements and many other features to help manage their study

You will need the following to access MyUni:

· a computer with an Internet connection;
· a PC running Windows 95 or higher or a Mac running Mac OS 8.6 or higher;
· a JavaScript enabled web browser;
· Adobe Reader software
(download from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html);
· your University of Adelaide username and password.

Students also need to monitor their nominated student e-mail account regularly for any communication about the course. All course announcements will be both e-mailed and posted on MyUni.

To reach the MyUni website for the course follow the links from the University of Adelaide's Homepage http://www.adelaide.edu.au or go to https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/webapps/login.

You will need to enter your username and password to access the MyUni website. If you have difficulty, please contact the Help Desk on 8303 3335 of send an e-mail to myuni.help@adelaide.edu.au

Learning & Teaching Modes

The contact hours for this course are made up of one single three hour seminar per week, which incorporates both theory (lecture material) and practice in an integrated and flexible schedule which allows practical experience to align very closely with theoretical learning.

Classes will be held each week, including weeks 1 and 12.

Because of the integrated and interactive nature of these sessions it is important that students commit to attending all sessions.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements. You will need to allocate appropriate time for your study (contact and non-contact time). University policies suggest that for a 3-unit course that there should be 12 hours of learning activities per week:

· Structured learning/contact time (lectures and workshops): 3 hours per week;
· Reading and preparation: 3 hours per week;
· Preparation of assignments: 4 hours per week;
· Exam Preparation: 2 hours per week

Learning Activities Summary

**Lecture and Workshop Program**
WEEK	Lecture	PRACTICAL
Week 1	Course introduction and overview. Introductory GIS Revision.	Review of vector analysis techniques.
Week 2	Feeding a GIS Metadata	The geodatabase (review) Distance analysis – obesity and fast food
Week 3	Concepts of Raster GIS	Working with Raster Data
Week 3	Spatial Information Day - www.spatialinformationday.org.au 1 day conference for the spatial industry in SA. You're strongly encouraged to go if you can!
Week 4	Raster Analysis Techniques	Raster data management
Week 5	Topographic Modelling	Raster data analysis
Week 6	No Lecture - Raster Modelling 1 & 2
Week 7	Surface and Hydrological Modelling	DEMs and Hydrological Modelling
Week 8	Network analysis	Network analysis
	MID SEMESTER BREAK
Week 9	Web based GIS	Web based GIS Prepare for Field Data Collection
Week 10	No Lecture Web based GIS Field Data Collection. M ap Preparation
Week 11	Guest Lecture (TBA)	Remote Sensing Working with Landsat 8 Imagery
Week 12	Course Review.	Assignment Work

Critical Dates

Last day to add online:
Monday 12/8/2013

Census date:
Saturday 31/8/2013

Last day to Withdraw No Fail (WNF):
Friday 20/9/2013

Last day to Withdraw Fail (WF):
Friday 1/11/2013

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Students must complete and submit all assessment components to be eligible to pass this course. Students who do not submit all of the coursework assessment components and sit the exam may receive a Fail grade.

The University’s policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following five principles: 1) assessment must encourage and reinforce learning; 2) assessment must measure achievement of the stated learning objectives; 3) assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance; 4) assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned; and 5) assessment must maintain academic standards (see: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/700/)

Exam (2 hours)	40%	Check exam details on Access Adelaide (Summative) Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Minor practical report	20%	Due Friday 23rd August, 12pm (Summative, Formative, Diagnostic) Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5
Major practical report	40%	Due Friday 8th November, 12pm (Summative, Formative) Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment Detail

Minor Practical Report (20%)
Description

This practical assignment is designed as a refresher in basic GIS operations and spatial thinking. It involves the application of vector spatial analysis techniques to address a range of research questions.

Full details will be provided separately – all documents and data will be available on MyUni.

Due Date: Friday, August 23rd at 12pm (Midday!)

Major Practical Report (40%)

Description
The practical assignment requires students to apply the GIS knowledge and techniques they have learnt in seminars construct a raster model of fire risk in the Adelaide Hills area. This assignment tests your ability to work independently in using the GIS software and new techniques, and through presentation of the results of your analysis in a formal report, you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of spatial relationships and data issues.

Full details will be provided separately – all documents and data will be available on MyUni.

Due Date: Friday, November 1st at 12pm (Midday!)

Formal Examination (40%)
There will be a 2 hour examination held during the formal exam period. It will be an open book exam and may be conducted at Wayville showgrounds OR in-house (to be negotiated). The exam will consist of 2 sections addressing both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. Question choice will be provided in both sections.

The exam structure and general content areas will be discussed in detail during the last session.

Students must check Access Adelaide for the time, date and venue of the examination.

Submission

Hard Copy Submission (Optional)
If you choose to submit hard copy of the practical assignments – including a signed and dated GEP coversheet - they need to be submitted through the School of Social Sciences Office, Ground Floor, Napier Building. An after hours assignment box is also available.

Electronic Submission (Compulsory)
Practical Assignments must also be lodged electronically using MyUni – this enables checking of the assignment through a plagiarism detection program.

Late Submissions
The penalty for late submission is 5% per business day (or part thereof). Assignments submitted after 12pm on the due date will attract an immediate 5% penalty.

Extensions
Extensions will be granted for medical or compassionate grounds only and requests should be accompanied by documentation (medical certificate or similar). Remember, to get an extension, you need to ask for it before the due date!

The minor practical assignment will be returned in class approximately one week after the due date.
Marks for the major practical assignment will be available on MyUni within 2 weeks of the due date.

Students who wish to have this assignment returned to them after marking MUST include a stamped ($1.20), self-addressed A4 envelope with their hard copy submission.

Please note that only assignments with a return envelope will receive detailed feedback.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator