Course Title: Apply GIS software to spatial problems

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: GEOM5188C

Course Title: Apply GIS software to spatial problems

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4417 - Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

Course Contact: Thierry Demathieu

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8359

Course Contact Email: thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Greg Patterson

Spatial Scientist and Surveying Teacher

School of Vocational Engineering, Health & Sciences

RMIT University

Building 56

Carlton, Vic, 3053, Australia

Phone: +61 400 231 518

Email: gregory.patterson@rmit.edu.au

www.rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 70

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to use geographic information system (GIS) software applications to show spatial patterns and relationships for identified issues. This includes integrating various sources of spatial information using spatial overlay techniques and analysis of data.

The course also includes using univariate statistics to explore datasets, and spatial and attribute queries to generate results and reports.

This course is suitable for entry-level technicians who use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a range of methods, tools, materials and information to complete routine and non-routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to a variety of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.



National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CPPSSI4035 Apply GIS software to spatial problems

Element:

1. Prepare for spatial analysis

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Clarify task requirements to address the issue under consideration with appropriate persons. 1.2 Apply appropriate work practices for safe screen-based work. 1.3 Access, interpret and manipulate spatial datasets to confirm they are in acceptable format to meet task requirements. 1.4 Identify and resolve routine spatial data problems or irregularities with geometry and attributes and resolve with appropriate persons. 1.5 Use spatial and attribute queries to select features from vector and aspatial text databases. 1.6 Determine accuracy of query results on vector and raster datasets by cross-referencing in tabular and cartographic view. 1.7 Generate and use univariate statistics to explore the dataset.

Element:

2. Undertake spatial analysis

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Manipulate existing data and integrate new data according to task requirements. 2.2 Use vector and raster geoprocessing techniques to generate results relating to spatial task. 2.3 Check that outputs of analysis are correct and applicable.

Element:

3. Produce reports

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Compile information on the limitations and assumptions of the datasets and the geoprocessing techniques used according to task and organisational requirements. 3.2 Present summary statistics and results using tabular, cartographic and graphic methods according to task requirements. 3.3 Incorporate results for all sources into reports according to organisational requirements. 3.4 Comply with legislative and ethical requirements for producing reports based on spatial data analysis.

Element:

4. Finalise data analysis

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Check output spatial data for completeness and manipulate where necessary according to organisational requirements. 4.2 Create metadata according to organisational requirements. 4.3 Store spatial data in a secure location and record details according to organisational requirements. 4.4 Comply with organisational requirements for documentation and storage relating to audit trails, naming standards, templates and version control.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 


Details of Learning Activities

Details of Learning Activities

You will learn to:

  • Determine task requirements and issues
  • Understanding industry requirements with computer workstations ergonomics
  • Access, interpret and validate geometry and attributes for irregularities using spatial and attribute queries
  • Identify and resolve irregularities associated with geometry and attribute using spatial queries
  • Generate and use univariate statistics to explore the datasets
  • Manipulate spatial data and integrate with new datasets
  • Use geoprocessing techniques to analyse information from spatial data and imagery
  • Identify the limitations and assumptions of the datasets and the geoprocessing techniques
  • Present summary statistics and results within a report that comply with Legislative and ethical requirements
  • Validate the spatial datasets by checking output data for completeness
  • Create Metadata for spatial datasets
  • Comply with organisational requirements for the storage relating to security, auditing trails, naming standards, templates and version control.

The total number of scheduled hours of teaching, learning and assessment involved in this course includes all planned activities (face to face classes, lectures, workshops and seminars; workplace visits, online learning and other forms of structured teaching and learning). It also covers the amount of effort necessary to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, observation of work performance, discussions


Teaching Schedule


Course SyllabusWeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1

Module 1

1. Meet with teacher and students

2. Subject / Assessments

3. Spatial References

4. Introduction to spatial datasets

5. Error analysis

6. Complete the safe screen-based work environment documentation

Meet and greet

Introduction to subject / assessment requirements


Lesson

1. Spatial References (Projections, Datum's and Coordinate Systems)

2. Points, lines and polygons

3. Spikes within datasets


Activities

1. Identify errors associated with datasets (Points, lines and polygons)

- Intersect errors

- Overlaps

- Duplicate Features

- Spikes in datasets

2. Complete safe screen-based work environment documentation

Week 2

Module 2

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 1: State boundary for the state of Queensland

- FME Training

Lesson

1. validate datasets

2. FME Training

- Combine multiple lines to create one continuous line

- Build lines to create polygons

- Snapping line features

- Adding a count

- filtering datasets

- attribute filter

- manage attributes

- label features


Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Download and validate datasets

3. Confirm format acceptability

4. Identify and resolve problems of irregularities

5, Visualise datasets in a cartographic view

Week 3

Module 3

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 1: State boundary for the state of Queensland (Cont)

- Create Metadata

Lesson:

1. Metadata


Assessment Activity

1. Create metadata for the updated dataset

2. Update portfolio

Week 4

Module 4

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 2: Remove anomalies with elevation values

Lesson:

1. Spikes within datasets (Recap)

2. Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)

3. Digital Elevation Model (DEM)


Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Create TIN

3. Remove spikes

4. Create DEM

5. Update portfolio

Week 5

Module 5

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 3: Visualise and illustrate relationships in datasets

Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Explore datasets to generate statistical results

3. Map results of statistical analysis

4. Update portfolio

Week 6

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 4: Koala locations in Queensland

Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Download and integrate datasets using GIS

3. Integrate the ‘Koala survey sighting data.csv’ file attributes with the Local Government Areas (LGA)

4. Update portfolio

Week 7

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 5: Mapping statistical results of analysis

Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Create a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

3. Create thematic map

4. Explore datasets to generate statistical results

5. Update portfolio

Week 8

Project Work / Assessment 1

Project 6: Knowledge Assessment

Assessment activity

1. Complete the knowledge assessment questionnaire

2. Finalise Report

Week 9

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 1: Determine task requirements

Task 2: Ensure safe screen-based work environment

Assessment activity

1. Meet and discuss / document project requirements

2. Update safe screen-based work environment documentation

3. Update Portfolio

Week 10

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 3: Interpret and determine dataset suitability

Assessment activity

1. Download required datasets

2. Check data for suitability

3. Update Portfolio

Week 11

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 4: Identify and resolve problems or irregularities.

Assessment activity

1. Identify and resolve problems or irregularities.

2. Update Portfolio

Week 12

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 5: Determine accuracy for Koala locations

Task 6: Conduct statistical analysis

Assessment activity

1. Determine accuracy for Koala locations

2. Conduct statistical analysis

3. Update Portfolio

Week 13

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 7: Integrate spatial datasets using GIS

Assessment activity

1. Process spatial features containing Koala information

2. Process spatial features containing roads lines

3. Integrate spatial datasets

4. Update Portfolio

Week 14

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 8: Map statistical results of analysis

Assessment activity

1. Map statistical results of analysis

2. Update Portfolio

Week 15

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 9: Create Metadata statement

Assessment activity

1. Create metadata for the updated dataset

2. Update portfolio

Week 16

Project Work / Assessment 2

Task 10: Knowledge Questions

Task 11: Finalise Report


Assessment activity

1. Complete the knowledge assessment questionnaire

2. Finalise Report




Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. 


Assessment Tasks

  1. Spatial Analysis Portfolio consisting of seven (7) different project tasks
  2. Assessment 2: Environmental Factors Affecting Koalas consisting of 10 different project tasks


Assessment Matrix

Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions

Element

Performance criteria

 

 

 

 

Assessment

      Task 1

Spatial Analysis Portfolio

Assessment

Task 2 Environmental Factors

affecting Koalas

1. Prepare for spatial analysis.

 

 

 

1.1. Clarify task requirements to address the issue under consideration with appropriate persons.

1A

1A

1.2. Apply appropriate work practices for safe screen-based work.

1B

2A

1.3. Access, interpret and manipulate spatial datasets to confirm they are in acceptable format to meet task requirements.

1C

3A

1.4. Identify and resolve routine spatial data problems or irregularities with geometry and attributes and resolve with appropriate persons

1D

4A

1.5 Use spatial and attribute queries to select features from vector and aspatial text databases.

1D

4A

1.6. Determine accuracy of query results on vector and raster datasets by cross-referencing in tabular and cartographic view.

1E

5A

1.7. Generate and use univariate statistics to explore the dataset.

3B

6A

2. Undertake spatial analyst

2.1. Manipulate existing data and integrate new data according to task requirements.

4B

7A

2.2. Use vector and raster geoprocessing techniques to generate results relating to spatial task.

5B, 5C

10C

2.3. Check that outputs of analysis are correct and applicable.

3C

8A

3. Produce reports

 

3.1. Compile information on the limitations and assumptions of the datasets and the geoprocessing techniques used according to task and organisational requirements.

6A-B

8A

3.2. Present summary statistics and results using tabular, cartographic and graphic methods according to task requirements.

3C

5A

3.3. Incorporate results for all sources into reports according to organisational requirements.

7B

11A

3.4. Comply with legislative and ethical requirements for producing reports based on spatial data analysis.

7C

11A

4. Finalise data analysis

4.1. Check output spatial data for completeness and manipulate where necessary according to organisational requirements.

7D

11D

4.2. Create metadata according to organisational requirements.

1F

9A

4.3. Store spatial data in a secure location and record details according to organisational requirements.

7B

 

4.4. Comply with organisational requirements for documentation and storage relating to audit trails, naming standards, templates and version control.

7A - D

 

 

Performance Evidence 

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements below

Assessment

      Task 1

Spatial Analysis Portfolio

Assessment

Task 2 Environmental Factors

affecting Koalas

To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the elements and performance criteria of this unit by using geographic information system (GIS) software applications to integrate data and show spatial patterns and relationships for identified issues for two different projects.

Assessment

      Task 1

Spatial Analysis Portfolio

Assessment

Task 2 Environmental Factors

affecting Koalas

PE1. The candidate must manage and manipulate the following, presenting the results accurately and meaningfully using maps, tables and graphs:

  1. thematic and continuous raster datasets
  2. aerial and satellite imagery
  3. point, line and polygon vector datasets
  4. aspatial text datasets.

PE1 A/B
5B, 5C

 

PE1 B

5C 1E

 

PE1 C

1D, 2B

 

PE1 D

 3C

 

 

PE1 C

 7A

 

PE1 D

4A

 


 

 

Knowledge Evidence 

To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

Assessment

      Task 1

Spatial Analysis Portfolio

Assessment

Task 2 Environmental Factors

affecting Koalas

KE1 key features of spatial reference systems

6C

3A

 

KE2 metadata fields relating to accuracy, currency, extent, availability and datasets

6G

 

9A

 

KE3 legislative requirements for accessing, manipulating, reporting and archiving spatial data, including data privacy, copyright and licensing

6D

11A

 

KE4 querying and browsing techniques for obtaining information from datasets

1D

10B

 

KE5 calculation and interpretation of univariate statistics:

  1. average, median and mode
  2. maximum and minimum
  3. range
  4. standard deviation
  5. variance

5D

6A

KE6 graphical methods for representing distributions

3C

8A

KE7 vector and raster data models

5B

10E

KE8 raster geoprocessing techniques:

  1. reclassifying
  2. resampling
  3. combining raster datasets
  4. extracting from raster datasets

(KE8 A)

5C

(KE8 B)

5B

(KE8 C)

 5C

(KE8 D)

5C

 

Question

6E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KE9 vector geoprocessing techniques:

  1. buffer
  2. clip
  3. dissolve
  4. intersect
  5. merge
  6. union
  7. erase
  8. reproject

(KE9 B)

5C

(KE9 C)

4B

(KE9 D)

4B

(KE9 E)

4B

(KE9 F)

4B

(KE9 H)

4A

10C

KE10 file formats for map production

6F

10F

KE11 spatial data storage technology.

6F

10A

 


 

Assessment conditions

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions

Assessors must meet the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

RMIT employment requires all trainers and assessors to comply with the Standards for RTOs in respect to holding the TAE40116, or higher VE qualification including any necessary updated units. All employees must show currency within their vocational specialty along with their professional employment.

 

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting where these skills and knowledge would be performed.

Assessments reflect the workspace environment.

Assessors to have appropriate industry experience and knowledge.

Students have access to computers with the latest GIS software packages during scheduled class times that comply with current industry practices.

 

Candidates must have access to:

computer with access to GIS software applications

printer and other hardware necessary for work tasks.

 

All labs will have the appropriate computers and software installed.

Software that students required include:

  • Microsoft Office available through Office 365
    • Microsoft word
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Safe Software FME (Labs and Home use)

Students will have access to additional software through Office 365. The students can sign in with your RMIT email address and password.

 

Other Information

Other information 

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
 

Study Support: 
Study Support provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by Study Support to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 


assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
maths and science developmental support and advice 
English language development 

Please Refer https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 
If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgement as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 

Special consideration: 
Please Refer https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration to find more information about special consideration 

Academic Integrity: 
"Academic integrity means acting with the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in learning, teaching and research."

It means referencing the work of others while developing your own insights, knowledge and ideas.

Breaches of academic integrity include:

  • plagiarism and failure to correctly acknowledge sources
  • contract cheating or paying/getting another person to prepare an assignment
  • submitting work prepared by another person
  • copying other people’s work
  • cheating in exams
  • breaching the Research Code
  • using unauthorised materials or devices

Please Refer: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. You will also use equipment and software packages in the laboratory for the project work. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts

Check the Library Subject Guides: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial

Course Overview: Access Course Overview