Course Title: GIS Principles

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: GIS Principles

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

GEOM1163

City Campus

Postgraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 2 2016

GEOM1163

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Summer2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Flexible Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

GEOM1163

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

PGRDFx2020 (ZZZZ),

PGRDFx2020 (All)

Course Coordinator: Dr Gang-Jun Liu

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99252425

Course Coordinator Email: gang-jun.liu@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 012.12.17

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course before you commence this course: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. 

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience


Course Description

This course extends your understanding of geographic information science and enhances your skills of GIS-based spatial data analysis. The course focuses on GIS-based spatial analysis techniques and workflows, applicable to different types of geographical data, for describing, analysing, and comparing spatial patterns of relevant geographical phenomena. Key topics include DEM-based terrain and hydrological analysis, network-based spatial accessibility analysis, and location-based suitability analysis using multi-criteria evaluation. Through guided lab practicals, you will apply advanced GIS-based analytical techniques and workflows, work with a variety of digital geographical datasets and perform a range of complex spatial analytical tasks. You will also apply a wide range of GIS-based operations and procedures for solving specific real-world geographical problems of your choice by designing and implementing a relevant GIS project, taking on the role of project manager, with your course coordinator as the client, and your classmates as consultants. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs: 

GC187 - Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science 

PLO 1.2 Knowledge capabilities - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice 
PLO 1.3 Knowledge capabilities - Identify and elaborate specialist bodies of knowledge in geospatial science 
PLO 2.1 Technical capabilities - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement, and data management problems. 
PLO 2.2 Technical capabilities - Be proficient in the recording, storage, management, representation and reporting of spatial information. 
PLO 3.1 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Interpret and critically analyse results in a scientific and professional manner and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions. 
PLO 4.1 Communication Skills - Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience 
PLO 6.2 Independent and Integrated Practice - Professionally manage and use spatial information 

GD054P17 - Graduate Diploma in Geospatial Science  

PLO 1.2 Knowledge capabilities - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice 
PLO 1.3 Knowledge capabilities - Identify and elaborate specialist bodies of knowledge in geospatial science 
PLO 2.1 Technical capabilities - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement, and data management problems. 
PLO 2.3 Technical capabilities - Be proficient in the recording, storage, management, representation and reporting of spatial information. 
PLO 3.1 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions. 
PLO 4.1 Communication Skills - Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience 
PLO 6.2 Independent and Integrated Practice - Professionally manage and use information 

MC265 - Master of Geospatial Science  

PLO 1.2 Knowledge capabilities - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice 
PLO 1.3 Knowledge capabilities - Identify and elaborate specialist bodies of knowledge in geospatial science 
PLO 2.1 Technical capabilities - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement, and data management problems.  
PLO 2.3 Technical capabilities - Be proficient in the recording, storage, management, representation and reporting of spatial information. 
PLO 3.2 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions. 
PLO 4.1 Communication Skills - Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience 
PLO 6.2 Independent and Integrated Practice - Professionally manage and use spatial information 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide


 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Implement core principles of geographic information science to GIS-based spatial data analysis in practical geographical contexts.
  2. Critique the challenges of using GIS for DEM-based terrain analysis, network-based accessibility analysis, and location-based suitability assessments using MCE. 
  3. Evaluate GIS-based spatial analytical and visualisation techniques and workflows to complete complex spatial data analysis tasks.
  4. Design GIS-based spatial analytical and visualisation workflows to solve real-world geographical problems, evaluating their suitability and effectiveness across diverse practical contexts.
  5. Advocate GIS-based spatial analysis results to a range of audiences, including non-specialists, using a variety of written and graphical communication methods. 


Overview of Learning Activities

In this course, you are expected to: 

  • Actively engage in a variety of learning activities, including scheduled lectorial and discussion sessions, as well as lab-based tutorials and practical sessions.
  • Take initiative in self-directed study of the course materials, ask questions of your lecturer and/or peers, raise any course-related issues via suitable channels, and seek out additional information as required, particularly from resources available through the RMIT Library and other course-specific materials on  myRMIT Course.
  • Complete and submit specified written assignments on time, adhering to the published assessment criteria and submission deadlines.  


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Lab Practical Reports 
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3 & 5 
 
Assessment Task 2: GIS Project Presentations Consultations 
Weighting 10% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 4 & 5 
 
Assessment Task 3: GIS Project Presentations and Submissions 
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 4 & 5 
 
Assessment Task 4: Final Timed Tests 
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3 & 4 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.