Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies have advanced rapidly in recent decades, and now provide essential tools for examining both physical and built environments. As core business in a wide range of private, public, government and non-government organisations, increased accessibility to spatial information and spatial analytic techniques has dramatically increased employment opportunities for skilled individuals. This unit moves beyond the fundamentals of GIS to explore in greater depth and breadth, concepts first introduced in GEOG2201 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems but with a heavy emphasis on Remote Sensing (the science of obtaining information about objects from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites). The unit focuses on providing students with a broad overview of Remote Sensing fundamentals, as well as an in-depth examination of how remote sensing techniques can support geospatial data acquisition, handling and analyses – with a particular interest in GIS-Remote Sensing integration. To this end, the unit provides theoretical knowledge and advanced skills needed to use GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to address pressing social and environmental issues while exploring a range of emerging data collection and analytic techniques.

Lectures focuses on the fundamentals of Remote Sensing providing exposure to emerging geospatial analytic tools (Google Earth Engine) with an emphasis on appropriate data handling and processing, as well as applied spatial analytic methods. Students will apply these concepts through weekly workshops investigating real-world spatial problems focused on managing natural and built environments. Students will conduct an individual innovative GIS/Remote Sensing project, the result of which will be communicated through a written report and oral seminar

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Geographical Sciences; Agricultural Science and Technology; Environmental Science and Management; Agricultural Technology; Environmental Management; Agribusiness and Agricultural Science; Geographical and Spatial Science major sequences
  • Level 3 option in the Criminology and Criminal Justice major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand fundamental and emerging geospatial data techniques and technologies for a range of biophysical and social applications; (2) gain knowledge and experience in geospatial data collection and analysis techniques fundamental to human and physical geography, environmental sciences and planning; (3) formulate an innovative spatial data collection and analytic approaches to critically assess a real-world spatial problem; and (4) communicate the results of that investigation in both seminar and written forms.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) three quizzes (each worth 10 per cent); (2) laboratory portfolio (tutorial assignments); and (3) geospatial data analysis project (written report and seminar). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Bryan Boruff
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) GEOG2201 Geographic Information Systems
Contact hours
lectures: 2 x 1 hour per week
workshops: 1 x 2 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.