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GES3810

Geographical information systems for environmental management

Associate Professor Jim Peterson

6 points
* 3 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture plus 3-hour practical in alternatte weeks)
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: 16 points of second-year geography, or permission of the head of department.

Objectives To introduce students to the utility and potential of spatial analysis using micro-computers and digital spatial data bases.

Synopsis This subject is designed to build on the introduction to geographical information systems offered in GES2390/3390. Content is arranged to facilitate reading, discussion and practical work using both vector and raster digital data as input to computer-based geographical information systems. Both raster-based and vector-based analysis systems will be used, and the range of input/output techniques will include handling various types of data offered on the open market, digitising, scanning, plotting, printing and screen display. The subject will focus on the conceptual identification of spatial analysis methods for producing user-defined maps from a range of geocoded digital data, and on implementing the methods to aid thematic mapping across a range of natural science applications. Data handling and processing will include data from earth resources satellites of several kinds.

Assessment Written (two 1500-word exercises and two theory assignments): 30%
* Practical exercises: 25%
* Examinations (practical): 20%
* Examinations (theory): 25%

Prescribed texts

Star J and Estes J Geographic information systems Prentice-Hall, 1990

Recommended texts

Berry J K Beyond mapping: Concepts algorithms and issues in GIS, 1989

Huxhold W E An introduction to geographic information systems OUP, 1991

Martin D Geographic information systems and their socioeconomic applications Routledge, 1991

Harrison B A and Jupp D L B Introduction to remotely sensed data CSIRO, 1989


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Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996