Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Type	Open	Level	2	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2005/06	Module Cap	30.	Location	Durham

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

None.

Aims

To introduce concepts of spatial representations of the human and physical worlds.
To develop skills in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing software, and in spatial data analysis.
To understand the role of GIS and Remote Sensing in addressing a range of spatially-related applications.
To provide a foundation for level 3 optional modules which may include, inter alia, 'Environmental Remote Sensing' and Geographic Information, Government and Society'.
To broaden a range of techniques available to students for use in dissertations.

Content

Introduction to concepts and applications of remote sensing systems: Principles of Earth observation.
Remote sensing systems, passive and active, remote sensing applications.
Digital image processing, display and enhancement, pattern recognition and modelling.
GIS: Representing geographical data and information.
Spatial analysis of human-environment relations.
Socio-economic applications.
Introduction to concepts and methods for spatial data analysis, including notion of: Point patterns.
Spatial autocorrelation.
Spatial prediction.
Scale, shape and direction.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Students are expected to: Understand some of the key applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in human and physical geography.
Understand the benefits and limitations of spatial information techniques.

Subject-specific Skills:

Use spatial information software to handle and analyse small geographical datasets.
Have practised the use of GIS and Remote Sensing software.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Basic facts, technical information and areas of application will be introduced and explained through lectures.
Key concepts of spatial information will be introduced and discussed in lectures.
Hands-on use of spatial information software will take place through practical sessions.
Workshops will be used both to enhance understanding of concepts and techniques and to support individual learning of software.
An unseen examination will be used to test knowledge of basic facts and understanding of concepts related to geographical information and spatial information systems.
Student projects will be used to consolidate and develop techniques of data analysis and use of proprietary software.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	9	Approx Fortnightly	2 hours	18
Practicals	6	6 per year	2 hours	12
Workshops	2	2 per year	1 hour	2
Preparation and Reading				168
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Exam		Component Weighting: 67%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
unseen exam	2 hours	100%
Component: Project		Component Weighting: 33%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Technical Report with Critical Appraisal	2000 words	100%

Formative Assessment:

In line with Board of Studies policy for all Level 2 optional modules, formative assessment is provided through formative feedback on summative coursework.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University