Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: GEOM5188C
Course Title: Apply GIS software to spatial problems
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4417 - Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Course Contact: Matthew Sweeney
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4105
Course Contact Email: matthew.sweeney@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dr.Indira Wittamperuma
Surveying & Spatial Educator
Surveying Department
School of Vocational Engineering, Health & Science
RMIT University
MELBOURNE 3001
Victoria, Australia
Email: indira.wittamperuma@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
This will include:
- Planning and documenting project requirements
- Undertake spatial analysis using spatial software applications
- Produce statistical reports based on the analysis of data
- Completing documentation and finalising project requirements
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 with supervisors and others providing third party evidence and one on one and group assessment sessions with students.
Teaching Schedule
Session/Date |
Theme |
Assessments |
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Session One 6 - 10 February |
Welcome and course overview In this session you will be introduced to the assessment requirements and spatial Technology that includes spatial software applications, standards, digital vector data and raster imagery, spatial data structures, formats, attributes, aspatial text and topology. You will also be provided the information to Install appropriate GIS Software onto your personal computers. |
Activity: Introduced to spatial technology
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Session Two 13-19 February |
Introduction to Safe Software FME In this session you will be introduced to Safe Software Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) |
Activity: Introduction to Safe Software FME |
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Session Three 20 - 26 February |
Introduction to Spatial References (Projections, Datum's and Coordinate Systems) In this session you will be introduced to the key components of Spatial References. This includes: Projection systems, Datum's and Coordinate Systems |
Activity: Introduction to Spatial References |
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Session Four 27 February - 5 March |
Introduction to Geoprocessing terms and techniques In this session you will be introduced to geoprocessing terms and techniques used on Vector datasets (points lines and polygons) and Raster images. These include: buffer, clipping, dissolving, intersections, merging, union, erasing, reprojecting, reclassifying, resampling, combining datasets, statistics and extracting information. |
Activity: Introduction to geoprocessing techniques
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Session Five 6-12 March |
Introduction to Metadata In this session you will be introduced to Metadata and the associated standards including associated metadata fields |
Activity: Introduction to metadata standards and associated fields |
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Session Six 13-19 March
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Assessment 1: Project Initiation In this session you will meet the client where you will discuss and document all project requirements in a project scoping document. You will also download and validate datasets required for the project to ensure the data meets requirements
Note: 13 Feb - Labour Day public holiday |
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Session Seven 20-26 March |
Assessment 1: Project Execution In this session you will identify and resolve topological errors. |
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Census Date 31 March 2023 |
The Census Date is the last day you can withdraw from this course without financial penalty. If you need to withdraw from this course, you must do so before this date to avoid additional student fees. |
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Session Eight 27 March - 2 April |
Assessment 1: Project Execution In this session you will create a thematic map that includes contours with labels, hypsometric areas with a raster image as a background layer. You will also calculate and interpret univariate statistics for the different religion groups located within the cemetery and output into a graph. |
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Session Nine 3-9 April |
Assessment 1: Project Finalisation In this session you will complete the metadata Statement, the submission of completed work document, answer the knowledge questions and submit all requirements onto canvas.
Note: 07 April (Friday) - Good Friday public holiday |
Assessment 1Due: 9th April |
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Mid-semester break 10-16 April |
The Mid-semester break is a scheduled break in the semester. No teaching or assessment will occur during this time. Also, your Trainer/Assessor won't be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break.
Notes: 10 April - Easter Monday public holiday 11 April - Easter Tuesday RMIT holiday |
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Session Ten 17-23 April |
Introduction to spatial data editing, manipulating and capture In this session you will be introduced to the assessment requirements data capture, manipulation and validation techniques using spatial technology |
Activity: Data manipulation, editing and capture |
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Session Eleven 24-30 April |
Introduction to spatial data editing, manipulating and capture (Continuation) | Activity: Data manipulation, editing and capture |
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ANZAC Day Public holiday 25 April 2023 |
No teaching or assessment will occur on ANZAC Day. Additionally, RMIT staff will not be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break. | |
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Session Twelve 1-7 May |
Introduction to graphical methods for representing distributions In this session you will be introduced to different ways to represent data attribute distribution. These include: Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, Line Plots, Frequency Table and Circle Graph |
Activity: Graphical methods for representing distributions |
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Session Thirteen 8-14 May |
Introduction to thematic mapping In this session you will be introduced to different methods for creating thematic maps |
Activity: Thematic maps |
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Session Fourteen 15-21 May |
Assessment 2: Project Initiation In this session you will meet the client where you will discuss and document all project requirements in a project scoping document. You will also download and validate datasets required for the project to ensure they meet requirements and resolve topological errors. |
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Session Fifteen 22-28 May |
Assessment 2: Project Execution In this session you will create a graph with scatter plot, trend line and correlation coefficient value |
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Session Sixteen 29 May - 4 June |
Assessment 2: Project Finalisation In this session you will complete the metadata statement and Submission of Completed Work and upload all requirements onto canvas |
Assessment 2 Due: 28th May |
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Session Seventeen 5-11 June |
Revision and feedback on work completed | |
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Session Eighteen 12-18 June |
Assessment marking and finalising results | |
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Queens Birthday Public Holiday 12 June 2023 |
No teaching or assessing will occur on the Queen's Birthday. Additionally, RMIT staff will not be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break. | |
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Official Results Release Date 29 June 2023 |
Important: It is your responsibility to check your results on this date. Your official results for this course will be released on this date. Your teacher will not inform you of your final result. It will only be available via My Student Record on RMIT's website. It is not your Trainer/Assessors responsibility to let you know your final result. Your teacher will not be available to comment on your assessment or final results from 18-29 June 2022. After this date, you can contact them to talk about your final result if you need it. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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
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 task number 1: Spatial Analysis Portfolio
Assessment task number 2: Environmental factors affecting Koalas.
Assessment Tasks
| Assessment number | Assessment type | Week Due |
| Assessment 1 | Riverside Cemetery flood analysis report |
Week 9 |
| Assessment 2 | Environmental Factors Affecting Koalas | Week 16 |
Assessment Matrix
Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions
Performance Evidence | ||
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements below |
Assessment Task 1 Riverside Cemetery flood analysis report |
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 |
Assessment Task 2 |
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PE1. The candidate must manage and manipulate the following, presenting the results accurately and meaningfully using maps, tables and graphs:
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B4 |
B4 |
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.
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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.
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Candidates must have access to: | |
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computer with access to GIS software applications printer and other hardware necessary for work tasks.
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All labs will have the appropriate computers and software installed. Software that students required include:
Students will have access to additional software through Office 365. The students can sign in with your RMIT email address and password. |
Other Information
Interim Results
After you have submitted an assessment, you will receive an interim result. This is displayed in the Grades section of this Canvas shell. These will be as follows:
Results |
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Satisfactory (S) |
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Not Yet Satisfactory (NYS) |
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Did Not Submit (DNS) |
You will receive this result when you have not submitted your assessment by the due date or time. Your Trainer/Assessor, the Program Coordinator or the Program Manager cannot overturn this interim result. An approved Special Consideration is required to allow further opportunities to complete the assessment. Additionally, moderation panels cannot overturn this result either. |
Note: You must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for every assessment in this course in order to pass.
Interim results will inform the moderation panel of their decision as to whether or not you are deemed competent and can pass the course. Your final and official result will be published via My Results on RMIT's website. It is your responsibility to check your final results. Your Trainer/Assessor, the Program Coordinator or the Program Manager will not inform you of your final result.
Resubmission Policy:
After you submit your assessment, your Trainer/Assessor will review your submission. If you have met all the requirements of the assessment task, you will receive an S result in your Grades section of this course.
If the Trainer/Assessor determines that you have not met the assessment requirements, you will receive an NYS result in the Grades section. In this case, your Trainer/Assessor will provide you with the following opportunities to resubmit:
- Project/Practical-Based Assessment Task: One Resubmission per assessment.
- Knowledge-Based Assessment Task (Tests): Two Resubmissions per assessment
Important: If you do not submit an assessment by its due date or time, you are not entitled to a resubmission. You will only receive an opportunity to submit an assessment that you have failed to submit on time if you provide an approved Special Consideration. Your Trainer/Assessor, Program Coordinator & Program Manager or the Moderation panel cannot overturn a DNS result without approved Special Consideration.
*Resubmissions cannot be accepted via email or as attachments to the comments of another assessment. Any work submitted in this manner will not be accepted or recognised, regardless of the circumstances. All resubmissions must be uploaded via the original submission folder and by the due date and time set by the Trainer/Assessor.
**Your Trainer/Assessor, Program Coordinator or Program Manager cannot issue further resubmission opportunities beyond those stated here. You will only be provided with further opportunities based on the successful application for Special Consideration or upon the course moderation panel's review and decision at the course's end.
Attendance:
You are required to attend a minimum of 85% of your classes. If you miss classes, you will need to provide a medical certificate to your Trainer/Assessor for classes that result in you not meeting the 85% requirement.
If you fail to attend the minimum required classes and engage in each class, your trainer/assessor will not accept your assessment submissions. You will be required to attend an in-person interview with your trainer/assessor at a time determined by them. Failure to attend this interview will result in your assessment being rejected. Additionally, the trainer/assessor reserves the right to reject your assessment based on the interview's outcome. This is required to ensure RMIT meets the Standards set for RTOs to ensure the validity of your work.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview