ENS253 Geographic Information Science and Technology

What is this course about?

Description

Geographic information systems (GIS) are applied in diverse multidisciplinary settings and GIS skills are highly sought after in the job market. This course will include all three aspects of GIS: theories covering the science behind GIS technology; the technology in the form of software; and its applications to the real-world using spatial analysis. On completion, you will acquire GIS knowledge and skills that can be applied in your respective discipline areas. Furthermore, the course will lead into an advanced GIS course.

How will this course be delivered?

Course Topics

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Basic knowledge of computer operation.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

Details of early feedback on progress

Task 1 will start in week 2 and students will get feedback on this formative task by week 3/4

Assessment tasks

Activities involving map-scale, sketch, scanning, georeferencing, and assigning metadata and coordinate system, and group discussions

Assignment proposal and final 2000 words report with maps and metadata

Objective and short answer questions

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

1	Introduction to GIS and its evolution

Learning materials on course objectives and structure, 
Introduction to geographical information systems (GIS), and its evolution.
Tutorials on: Introduction to Windows XP and ArcGIS, ArcGIS Explorer and Google Earth software. 
Exposure to learning resources	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

2	Maps and GIS

Learning materials on a conventional map, its types and its comparison with GIS maps
Tutorial on creating a map document and exploring GIS map	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

3	Map scale and data quality

Learning materials on map scale and geographic data quality.
Tutorial on map scale and data quality using real-world examples.	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

4	Geographic communication

Learning materials on geographic communication.
Tutorials on producing cartographic quality maps using appropriate map layout, colour combination, text, and symbols.	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

5	Geographic representation

Learning materials geographic representation using data models.
Learning materials on metadata and its significance.
Tutorial on understanding digital geographic representation and metadata.	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

6
Geodetic datum types and coordinate systems

This will be a flipped class where video recording, as well as learning materials on geodetic datums and coordinate systems will be provided. 
Tutorials on datums and coordinate systems.	Video recordings, book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

7	GIS data creation and search

Learning materials on GIS data creation and search.
Tutorial on creating GIS datasets and their search on the web.	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

8
GIS analysis 1

Learning materials on vector-based GIS analysis.
Tutorial on vector-based GIS analysis	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

9	GIS analysis 2

Learning materials on raster-based GIS analysis.
Tutorial on raster-based GIS analysis	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

10	Attribute information in GIS data and queries

Learning materials and tutorial on GIS attribute table and spatial query 	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

11	Geospatial analysis to address real-world issues

Learning materials on geospatial analysis with real-world examples
Tutorial on geospatial analysis. and spatial interpolations	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

12	Spatial interpolation

Learning materials and Tutorial on spatial interpolations 	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

13	Advanced GIS

Learning materials and tutorial on advanced GIS analysis and 3d visualisation	Book chapters specified in the learning materials and participation in Canvas' discussion board

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Specific requirements

Students must purchase the tutorial manual from the Reprographics and Print Services. PDF version will be available on the Canvas. A free copy of students version of ArcGIS will be provided for installation of the software on home computer.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

• Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
• Review of Assessment and Final Grades
• Supplementary Assessment
• Central Examinations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Conduct
• Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

• In person:
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• Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au