GEOG328-17B (HAM)

Geographic Information Systems

20 Points

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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Te Kura Kete Aronui
School of Social Sciences
Dept of Geography

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Lars Brabyn

Lars Brabyn
9170
I.2.12
Open door policy but prefer to be contacted during labs.
lars.brabyn@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: paula.maynard@waikato.ac.nz

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: heather.morrell@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5 or 9 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
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Paper Description

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Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a widely used computer technology used to organise and analyse information associated with space, which includes land-use, water, environment, people, and primary and service based industries. Consequentially most Government organisations and 100s of private companies employ GIS graduates. This paper will introduce the main concepts of GIS, and provide you with the skills to apply GIS to a range of spatial problems.

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Paper Structure

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The Geographical Information Systems paper runs for one semester, and involves a final test. Most teaching weeks will involve 2 hours theory and 2 hours of computer laboratory work. You are expected to work an additional 9 hours in your own time experimenting with the GIS software, reading, and reviewing notes.
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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Describe the key features and functions of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Discuss the capabilities and limitations of GIS
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  • Describe the mechanics of GIS including database structures and models
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  • Design and implement a GIS project using GIS software and present this in a scientific poster format
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  • Perform a range of GIS operations including data input, buffering, geo-referencing, model building and use GIS software for spatial analysis, network analysis, surface modelling, 3-D visualisation, network analysis, and terrain analysis.
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 1:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 1:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Seven computer laboratory exercises
35
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Ten multi-choice quizzes
13 Oct 2017
5:00 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. A project poster
29 Sep 2017
5:00 PM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. A final test
13 Oct 2017
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Recommended Readings

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The central library contains many books and journals on GIS. It is recommended that you read a general text book on GIS. The following ebooks are available:

  • Albrecht, J. (2007). Key concepts & techniques in GIS. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/book/sageukgis
  • Clarke, G., & Stillwell, J. (2003). Applied GIS and spatial analysis. (pp. 420 p.). Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/book/10.1002/0470871334
  • Crampton, J. W. (2010). Mapping: a critical introduction to cartography and GIS [ebook]. Chichester, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from Wiley-Blackwell Online Books.
  • Fazal, S. (2008). GIS basics. Retrieved from ebrary database
  • Galati, S. R., & ebrary Inc. (2006). Geographic information systems demystified [ebook]. Retrieved from ebrary database
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Online Support

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Lectures will be videoed and available through Moodle. Some library resources are available online. Due to the nature of this technical paper, support is provided in person mostly in the labs. Lab data, and GIS software is available from the following Google Drive folder:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5GMoUGp6hdFcVM5UWtkaVg2Tk0

GIS Software

For this paper you will use ArcGIS to complete lab exercises and a project. This software is available on all the computer labs in J Basement.
You can also install ArcGIS Desktop on your home computer using a student license active for one year, if you are using Windows. For ArcGIS Desktop to work, there are minimum system requirements for ArcGIS 10. For example, you need .NET Framework Version 3.5 SP1. If .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is not detected on your machine, the ArcGIS Desktop setup will not proceed. It is difficult to provide students support for installing ArcGIS, so if you are unsuccessful, you will need to rely on the computer labs in J Basement.
The following provides instructions on installing ArcGIS Desktop:

  • Copy the software folder from the Google Drive folder for this paper.
  • Alternatively you can copy the software from GISdata G: drive on the J Basement computers to your home computer using a memory stick (4.7Gb in size). This folder is G:\00 Student Edition ArcGIS Software\ (Make sure you copy the latest software).
  • Also copy the pdf - Installing ArcGIS Desktop with a student license.
  • Obtain a unique license code from Paula Maynard (Geography Administrator) by visiting her office (I2.08) or emailing her (pmaynard@waikato.ac.nz) - let her know that you are enrolled in this paper.
  • Follow the installation instructions.
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Workload

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The workload for the average student doing this paper should be approximately 13 hours per week. This is made up of 2 hours lectures, 5 hour reading and revision, and 6 hours laboratory exercises.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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This paper is co-taught with GEOG558.
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