Geographical information systems for environmental management
6 points * 3 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture plus 3-hour practical in alternate weeks) * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: 16 points of second-year geography or permission of head of department
Objectives To introduce students to the utility and potential of spatial analysis using microcomputers 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 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% * Weekly practical exercises: 25% * Examinations (practical): 20% * Examinations (theory): 25%
Prescribed texts
Star J and Estes J Geographic information systems Prentice-Hall, 1990
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, 1990
Harrison B A and Jupp D L B Introduction to image processing CSIRO, 1990
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