49257 Geographic Information Systems
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides an opportunity to experience active learning with a professional practice focus. It introduces students to the current and potential uses of geographic information systems (GIS) mostly in engineering projects. The workshops cover general concepts of GIS and introduce the material of the exercises that are designed to provide hands-on experience using the ArcGIS software package. The subject also covers data acquisition using mobile GIS for site selection, site mapping, data processing, and analysis. In addition, principles of environmental and spatial modelling are discussed and illustrated by case studies including water balance modelling, groundwater modelling and digital terrain modelling etc.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Use GIS in professional settings and decision-making processes. (F.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply the basic principles and procedures associated with GIS to various scenarios from Civil and Environmental Engineering. (C.1) |
| 3. | Adapt theoretical GIS skills to the use of GIS software whenever required. (D.1) |
| 4. | Work across a range of GIS applications. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their own and others' performance with a high level of responsibility to improve and practice competently for the benefit of professional practice and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
Teaching and learning strategies
Learning in this subject is facilitated through a combination of workshops, computing laboratories, online learning activities, research reports and field practice. Students undertake a major GIS group project that runs during the subject. This project aims to develop students’ GIS project design and management skills through applying geodata acquisition, processing, and analysis methods to a practical environmental engineering situation. Students, working in teams collaboratively, will provide a project report followed by a brief oral presentation and a poster session. Students also undertake several practical exercises that will acquaint them with specific GIS software and mobile GIS/GPS to then be used for problem solving and environmental decision-making. Online quizzes are prepared to assist students’ learning and perception of key concepts and related procedures. This subject is run in standard mode throughout the teaching session (for dates check the subject program). Usually, each week has a 3-hour session that is typically delivered through a 1.5-hour workshop followed by a 1.5-hour laboratory class or tutorial. Workshops are supported by relevant chapters in the textbook and/or additional material provided to students. Completing the pre-class activities before classes will ensure greater success in this subject. Pre-class activities as outlined in the subject program include:
- Textbook readings and practice online quizzes to ensure a better learning outcome during workshops. Feedback for online quizzes will be given immediately and the content will be discussed in class.
- Watching videos to prepare for workshops and/or laboratory/tutorial classes, which are directly linked to the exercises that students will be working on during classes.
It is assumed that students will complete pre-class activities before class, to apply relevant knowledge in the workshops and laboratory classes. A Canvas workspace will be available to students, facilitating teaching and learning, and providing tools to support collaboration and communication with staff and fellow students. This subject provides active learning opportunities to students in the laboratory classes and practical sessions. The laboratory and tutorial classes also provide opportunities for students to collaborate.
Content (topics)
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems:
- Introduction to GIS and Geo-processing including:
- Data models and spatial analysis functions
- Map projections
- Practical Exercises
Various aspects of applied GIS and current practice in environmental engineering:
- Mobile GIS and GPS – planning of fieldwork
- Raster processing, hydrologic functions and cost path modelling
- Vector processing and vector analysis (site selection)
- Introduction to spatial modelling such as water balance modelling, groundwater modelling, regional basin modelling and digital terrain modelling
- GIS environmental modelling and engineering: case studies
Assessment
Assessment task 1: GIS In Context Essay
| Intent: | To help students recognise the relationship between GIS learning, applications of the topics and their own discipline or field of interest by further developing their research ability and writing skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 1600 words excluding references |
Assessment task 2: Computer Laboratory Exercise Sets
| Intent: | To help students master essential GIS knowledge by practising real-world GIS problems and promote students' hands-on skills using ArcGIS. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | Will vary depending on the solution |
Assessment task 3: Online Quiz
| Intent: | To assess students’ understanding of the concepts within GIS topics. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 60 minutes |
| Criteria: | Correctness, comprehensiveness and completeness of information acquisition and management, user identification and analysis, models and spatial analysis; appropriate presentation. |
Assessment task 4: Group Project
| Intent: | To improve students' capability to identify information required for conducting common environmental engineering projects with GIS, to evaluate various alternative solution procedures by employing appropriate techniques, and to present the results in a professional approach. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Report: about 20 pages |
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
The official textbook of the subject is:
- I. Heywood, S. Cornelius, S. Carver: "An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems", 4th edition, Pearson Education Limited, 2011.
The textbook chapters in the subject timetable's reading suggestions will always refer to this book.
A student companion website associated with this textbook can be accessed at: http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_heywood_intro_GIS_4/205/52596/13464713.cw/index.html
Quizzes referred to in the timetable can be practised on the companion website. It is expected that students take each quiz in their own time. A selection of the questions will be included in the mid-semester Online Quiz.
Recommended texts
The following books contain useful reference material for students requiring additional reading:
- T. Bernhardsen: “Geographic Information Systems – An Introduction”, 2nd edition, Wiley & Sons1999.
- P. Longley and M. Batty (eds.): “Advanced Spatial Analysis”, ESRI Press, 2003.
- A. Brimicombe: “GIS, Environmental Modelling and Engineering”, Taylor & Francis, 2003.
- Pa. Hershey: "Geographic information systems concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications", IGI Global (701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA), 2013
References
Workshop notes will be made available on Canvas. Canvas will also be used for announcements and links to resources.
Faculty Handbook Text:
This subject introduces students to the use and the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The workshops cover general concepts of GIS and introduce the material of the exercises that are designed to provide hands-on experience using the ArcGIS software package. The subject also covers data acquisition for the purpose of site selection, site mapping, data processing and analysis. In addition, principles of environmental and spatial modelling are discussed and illustrated by case studies including water balance modelling, groundwater modelling and digital terrain modelling.