Key facts
UNE unit code: GISC433
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
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With increasing computing power and rapid innovation in modern data science, skilled professionals who can demonstrate mastery of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are in demand.
This unit introduces you to the key themes of GIS, building skills in the advanced aspects of GIS for spatial analysis and environmental modelling. Using these principles as a foundation, you will learn about uses for spatial modelling, such as modelling species diversity and distribution patterns, assessing climate change impacts, and general environmental modelling applications.
Topics include raster data analysis, data merging, overlay principles, intersect and union operations, buffer applications, and proximity analysis. You will also explore terrain analysis, including shaded relief views, site suitability analysis and network analysis.
Keep pace with new technologies in the field, including mobile GIS, and hone skills for solving complex problems in the real world.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Student will be required to install the Windows ™- based software ArcGIS for Desktop. Student should ensure their Windows ™ computer meets ArcMap system requirements: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/system-requirements/latest/arcgis-desktop-system-requirements.htm. While Apple™ computers using Bootcamp™ or virtualisation software such as Parallels™ can support ArcMap, UNE cannot guarantee Apple computer functionality.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Priyakant Sinha](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0003/268311/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of spatial analysis by giving detailed examples of applications of GIS;
- demonstrate sound knowledge of spatial analysis by describing how the real world is represented in a GIS;
- demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of spatial analysis by providing examples of analysis functions that can be performed in a GIS;
- distinguish between raster and vector data models and independently identify the appropriate models for solving environmental problems;
- discuss the principles of spatial analysis and GIS modelling; and communicate this knowledge to others using verbal, written and visual formats; and
- exercise critical thinking and judgement in outlining the main problems associated with the use of a GIS to build models and provide examples of real world.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Class Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | 1 x Class Quiz worth 20% No. Words: 500 |
Practical Activity | Yes | 20% | All offerings | |
Project | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note:
Geospatial Analysis A Comprehensive Guide to Principles Techniques and Software Tools
ISBN: 9781912556052
de Smith, M., Goodchild, M., Longley, P. and Associates, spatialanalysisonline.com 6th ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Geographic Information Science and Systems
ISBN: 9781118676950
Longley, Paul A., Goodchild, Michael F., Maguire, David J. and Rhind, David W., Wiley 4th ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Fundamentals of Spatial Analysis and Modelling
ISBN: 9781032115757
Goa, Jay, CRC Press 1st ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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