GEOG 7007 - Applied Spatial Analysis

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2019

This course challenges students with existing skills in data manipulation and analysis using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to expand their knowledge of spatial information science and GIS procedures. Students will develop and apply advanced data analysis techniques to propose, construct and carry out a major research project in an area of interest. The theoretical foundation of the principles behind GIS analysis are covered in some depth, while practical sessions guide students in the development of increasingly sophisticated spatial analysis capabilities.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 7007
    Course Applied Spatial Analysis
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible GEST 5007, GEOG 5007
    Assumed Knowledge GEOG 3027 or equivalent experience with GIS
    Assessment 1000 word research proposal seminar (20%), 2000 word theoretical essay (20%), 6000 word major practical project (60%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Dorothy Turner

    Course Timetable

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

    The course is run in tandem with the Introductory GIS course (GEOG 2129). There will be:
    • A one hour lecture every week for 12 weeks (GEOG 2129 and GEOG 7007)
    • A two hour workshop every week for 12 weeks (GEOG 2129 and GEOG 7007)
    • A two hour tutorial every second week (6 in total) (GEOG 7007 only) - to discuss your individual research project
    The Lecture and Workshop coursework incorporates both theory 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.

    Depending on your GIS background you may be required to attend all lectures and workshops.
    Regardless of your GIS experience, attending the lectures and workshops is good revision.

    Please ENROL in the Lecture, Workshop and Tutorial sessions regardless of your GIS background
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Understand GIS concepts and spatial analysis techniques in an interdisciplinary setting;
    2. Identify and source data for use in evidence-based decision making;
    3. Apply ArcGIS for spatial data preparation, analysis and visualisation with sophisticated skills of vector and raster processing;
    4. Demonstrate proficiency in integrating GIS data analysis with simple statistical analysis;
    5. Demonstrate ability to conduct a GIS research project in the area of their choice.
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,4,5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    2,3,4,5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2,3,4,5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    5
  • 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


    Two online copies of this book are available from the Adelaide University Library as single use eBooks (i.e. only one person at a time can access each one).
    The Barr Smith Library also holds 7 print copies, with two of these in the High Use Collection available for short term loan. 

    It is highly recommended that you purchase your own copy of this book.
    Make sure you order the book by Heywood - there are other books with the same title by other authors!
    It is available from Dymocks:
    • eBook for $45.49
    • hardcopy for $108.99
    Readings are set for all lectures and some workshops, and are expected to be completed BEFORE the lecture or workshop
    Recommended Resources
    Supplementary reading in additional GIS texts is highly recommended to improve understanding of the concepts and procedures behind the theory and practical to which students are exposed each week.

    The following book is a useful secondary resource since it is written by Australian authors and provides Australian examples of GIS applications.

    Book Title: Geographical Information Systems (2nd Edition).
    Author: Julie Delaney and Kimberley Van Niel
    Year: 2007
    Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN-13: 978-0-195-55607-0
    There are 3 copies of this book at the Barr Smith Library (1 reserve and 2 for general borrowing) and 1 copy at Waite Campus Library. 
    In addition, I particularly recommend:

    Book Title: Geographic Information Science & Systems (4th Edition)
    Author: Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind.
    Year: 2015 
    Publisher: Wiley
    ISBN: 978-1-119-03130-7
    There are currently three copies in the Barr Smith Library.


    Book Title: Principles of Geographical Information Systems (3rd Edition)
    Author: Peter A. Burrough, Rachael McDonnell, and Christopher D. Lloyd.
    Year: 2015 
    Publisher: Oxford UP
    ISBN: 9780198742845 (paperback); 0198742843 (paperback)
    There is currently 3 copies available at the Barr Smith Library, one of these in the High Use Collection (available for 3 hour loan).


    Book Title: Geographic Information Analysis (2nd edition)
    Author: David O'Sullivan and David J. Unwin.
    Year: 2010
    Publisher: Wiley
    ISBN-13: 978-0-470-28857-3
    This book is available online from the Adelaide University Library for unlimited simultaneous users. There are currently also two copies in the Barr Smith Library.


    Any similar basic GIS text would also be appropriate


    The Barr Smith Library maintains a Resource Guide for GIS/Spatial Information Systems at:
    libguides.adelaide.edu.au/geography/gis
    This list includes a number of general and specialist texts from which students can choose to support and extend the weekly readings and prepare for the examination.


    Online Learning

    MyUni

    All lectures will be recorded and available through MyUni.
    All lecture slides, workshop instructions and workshop data will also be available through MyUni.


    Online Textbooks

    There are a variety of online texts available, some of which are extremely comprehensive:


    Websites

    There are many websites with information about GIS, the industry, and using GIS, including:
    • www.gis.com - a good overview of GIS and geographic thinking. Includes glossary and career links;
    • www.gislounge.com - GIS Lounge is an information portal, providing links to numerous news items, tips, and resources including introductory texts on all things GIS. This site is run by Caitlin Dempsey who has authored numerous articles about GIS and the spatial industry; and
    • www.sssi.org.au – peak body for the surveying and spatial sciences in Australia. This site provides information about education/careers, and links to local events in South Australia and other States/Territories such as Spatial Information Day (spatialinformationday.org.au). The Free Student Program offers membership and various benefits to students with an interest in GIS, including access to discounted events held in Adelaide.


    Software

    The GIS commercial software that will be used in this course is ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.5.1.

    This software is available in limited teaching labs across the University from 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.

    You should find that ArcGIS is installed in the following locations:
    • Science Students: Any of the science faculty computer suites
    • Humanities Students: Napier 106, Napier 107 and Napier 202.

    Although ArcGIS is not available for standalone installation on your personal computers, it can be accessed anytime through the University’s ADAPT platform (Any Device, Any Place and Time). Please review the setup guides and instructions for using ADAPT. Please contact Technology Services or the course coordinator if you are having problems accessing this.

    Please take into account any access restrictions when planning your assignment work.

    Hardware

    It is strongly recommended that you do all coursework on your U drive as this can be accessed from any university computer, or from your home computer through ADAPT, and is regularly backed up.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course is run in tandem with the Introductory GIS class (GEOG 2129). There will be:
    • A one hour lecture every week for 12 weeks (GEOG 2129 and GEOG 7007)
    • A two hour workshop every week for 12 weeks (GEOG 2129 and GEOG 7007)
    • A two hour tutorial every second week (6 in total) (GEOG 7007 only)
    Coursework - Lectures and Workshops:
    Depending on their previous GIS background, the course coordinator will decide if a student is required to complete this coursework.

    All students are encouraged to attend the lectures and worshops as a means of revision, regardless of their previous GIS background.

    The Lecture and Workshop coursework incorporates both theory 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 classes it is important that those students who must complete the coursework commit to attending all sessions.

    Independent Research:
    An independent research project will be negotiated for each student with the course coordinator.

    Students will have the oportunity to discuss their individual projects at the fortnightly tutorials and work through issues.
    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 6-unit course that there should be 20-24 hours of learning activities per week:

    Structured learning/contact time (lectures and workshops) 3 hours per week
    Tutorials 2 hours per fortnight
    Research project: Reading 6 hours per week
    Research project: GIS analysis 8 hours per week
    Research projecct: Report writing 2-4 hours per week

     
     
     
    Learning Activities Summary
    This course challenges students with existing skills in data manipulation and analysis using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to expand their knowledge of spatial information science and GIS procedures. Students will develop and apply advanced data analysis techniques to propose, construct and carry out a research project in an area of interest. The theoretical foundation of the principles behind GIS analysis are covered in some depth, while practical sessions guide students in the development of increasingly sophisticated spatial analysis capabilities. Tutorials will be utilised to direct each student's individual research project.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent.

    It is highly recommended that students have also completed one of the following:
    • Introduction to GIS (GEOG 2019);
    • GIS for Environmental Mgmt (SOIL&WAT 3007WT or SPATIAL 3007WT);
    • GIS for Ag & NRM (SOIL&WAT 3020WT or SPATIAL 3020WT);
    • Other GIS courses approved by the Course Coordinator
    It will be assumed students have:
    • proficiency at research and written skills, and
    • some working knowledge of ArcGIS.
    Introductory GIS (GEOG 2129) coursework can be undertaken as part of this course.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Students will undertake small group discovery activities via the workshops.
  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    Essay or Workshop Assignments
    20%
    • EITHER the weekly GEOG 2129 workshop assessments
    • OR a 2000 word theoretical essay
    • To be determined by the course coordinator
    Research Proposal
    20%
    1,000 word research proposal

    Practical Research Report
    60%
    4000-5000 word practical research report, including a literature review 
    Assessment Related Requirements
    The course coordinator will determine if you must attend the Intorductory GIS (GEOG 2129) coursework (lectures and workshops) and submit the weekly GEOG 2129 workshop assignments instead of the theoretical essay (20% of total grade).

    All other students should attend this coursework for revision purposes, but will not be required to submit GEOG 2129 workshop assignments. They will instead write a 2000 word theoretical essay (20% of total grade), the topic of which will be agreed upon with the course coordinator.
    Assessment Detail
    • Essay
      20%
      2000 word theoretical essay.
      Students will choose an individual topic to research, not related to their research project, in consultation with the course coordinator.
    OR

    • GEOG 2129 Weekly Workshop Assignments 
      20%
      Most weekly workshops will include an assessment task which allows students to demonstrate both the successful completion of the workshop tasks, and their understanding and application of the skills and techniques which they are learning week by week. Full details of the assessment task are made available as appropriate each week.
    Research Proposal
    20%
    1000 word research proposal.
    Students will conduct an independent research project to apply and deepen the GIS skills. Students are encouraged to define their own topics of interest and start to liaise with industry and government.


    Practical Research Report
    60%
    4000-5000 word practical research report, including a literature review 
    Students will conduct an independent research project to apply and deepen their GIS skills. Students are encouraged to define their own topics of interest and start to liaise with industry and government. Research projects will be supported individually during the semester.
    Submission
    There will be penalties for late submission so make sure extensions are negotiated with the course coordinator.
    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
  • 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.

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