Geographic Information Systems

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
?   Display Outline Guidelines      


Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Geographic Information Systems
Unit ID: SCENV2600
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 019999
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to display and analyse spatial information, making them an important tool in resource management and decision making. This unit introduces the concepts and theory underpinning spatial data, including how spatial information is represented, referenced, and stored in a digital environment. Students will learn to produce and interpret maps and explore key methods of spatial data analysis, while undergoing practical training in GIS software and tools. Students will also work with remote sensing data from local and global sources, developing an understanding of how it is collected, used within GIS, and interpreted to identify features from imagery, with these skills applied throughout to real-world problems in resource and environmental management.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Explain key GIS concepts, spatial data theory, and mapping principles relevant to resource management.

O2.

Design and produce a GIS-based resource management project using provided datasets and established analytical techniques.

O3.

Interpret remote sensing and spatial data to inform decision-making in environmental and resource management contexts.

O4.

Evaluate and justify GIS methods and workflows in relation to problem requirements and data constraints.

O5.

Communicate spatial analysis results and project outputs professionally using digital maps, reports, and visualisations.

Unit Content:

Topics may include:

  1. Map production and interpretation
  2. Spatial data concepts and theory
  3. Use of GIS software and tools
  4. Spatial data analysis
  5. Analysis of aerial imagery and remotely sensed satellite data
  6. Environmental impact assessment of infrastructure projects
  7. Mapping natural resources
  8. Estimating species' distributions
  9. Basic machine learning for spatial analysis
Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 5

Written short answers to GIS theory questions and production of a map

Map production and theory worksheet

10-30%

2. 1, 2, 3, 4

Spatial data analysis project requiring written explanation and calculations

Spatial data analysis project

20-40%

3. 2, 3, 4, 5

Standard industry report and presentation

Presentation and Project

40-60%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency