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ESC-40109 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 18 May 2024

ESC-40109 - Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
Coordinator: Christian Devenish
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The quantity of Earth observation data has grown enormously over the last 40 years and is now a key part of the digital data revolution in such diverse fields as geography, geology, conservation ecology and beyond. Acquiring the skills to source, evaluate and use this data critically is a key employability skill in this sector, as well as being highly transferable. You will learn to use industry-standard specialist software and cloud-based applications to plan and implement case studies using spatial data. You will also gain hands-on experience of problem solving in this sector, following steps such as scoping the task, acquiring data, analysis and offering solutions.

Aims
This module aims to develop an enhanced level of skill, knowledge and understanding of the concepts and practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. This module will develop key transferable skills in GIS using industry-standard software and cloud-based applications, including mapping, spatial data acquisition and analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of techniques and methods to use spatial data for biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, geographical sciences, including, but not limited to, time series analysis, mapping organism distributions and home ranges, topographic analysis.: 1,2
Critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of spatial data sources with relevance to biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, geographical sciences, including, but not limited to, vegetation indices, satellite imagery, point occurrences, and digital elevation models.: 1,2
Apply an advanced level of lab skills with industry standard GIS software using spatial data and methods for problem solving and applied interventions in biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, or geographical sciences.: 1,2

Study hours

10 x 3 hour lab/field sessions, with theoretical and practical content
14 hours of guided case study development as part of preparation for portfolio
2 x 3 hour drop in sessions to provide support for case studies.
100 hours researching methods, literature as well as independent preparation, review and skill training and completion of assessments. Indicative timings:
- Independent revision of lecture material, skills, methods (30 hrs)
- Portfolio methods research (25 hrs)
- Portfolio writing (45 hrs)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 65%
GIS methods portfolio
Portfolio of three GIS methods covered in the module (chosen by student from a list), each consisting of 1250 word (max) report describing and critically evaluating the method/technique with examples of use and application to case study data set. The portfolio will be submitted in its entirety at the end of the module.

2: Class Test weighted 35%
Class test on GIS (during an extended class session - 4 hrs). An open book test, with access to internet.
Open book test (including access to internet) to work through a series of practical questions using GIS software and/or Remote Sensing data in computer lab during an extended class session (4 hrs). Test will be overseen by module teaching staff. Students will be expected to use software used in class and enter / upload responses in an online format.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 18 May 2024