This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)
Module GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING
Department: Geography
GEOG2591: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2 | 20 | Available in 2006/2007 | 35. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 67% | unseen exam | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Project | 33% | 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.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.