Undergraduate - UnitATS3259 - Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental management

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Clayton First semester 2012 (Day) Gippsland First semester 2012 (Flexible)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Xuan Zhu (Clayton); Dr Billy Kariaga (South Africa)

Notes

Previously coded GES3810, GES3820

Synopsis

This unit introduces GIS for environmental science, and discusses basic principles, techniques and applications of GIS in the field of environmental management and research. It examines and reviews specific environmental application areas where GIS is a useful tool. Subjects covered include basics of GIS, spatial data sources, spatial data quality, spatial data analysis, terrain modelling, hydrological modelling, land suitability modelling, and decision support systems. It also includes the basic principles of remote sensing and the use of satellite imagery. Case studies and hands-on practice allow students to gain experience in the use of GIS in environmental management.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Demonstrate the utility of digital spatial data handling for mapping and analysis from digital data, referring to themes in environmental science;
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the key concepts concerning the application of GIS to environmental problems;
Explain how value can be added to the data in any information management system with geocodes, by implementing digital spatial data analysis;
Assess the nature of digital spatial data;
Demonstrate a high level of skills in the use of GIS software (ArcGIS) to solve environmental problems;
Develop their own environmental applications of GIS.

Assessment

Written work: 25% (2500 words)
Practicals: 50%
2 Hour Exam: 25%

Chief examiner(s)

Xuan Zhu

Contact hours

One 2hr lecture and one 3hr practical per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sustainability, environment and society
Geography and environmental science (ARTS)
Geographical science
Climate change and society
Conservation of biological diversity and cultural heritage
Land and water management
Urban, regional and international development

Prerequisites

First year Geography sequence

Prohibitions

GES3820