Module Code - Title:
GY5021
-
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSPATIAL DATA ANALYSIS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The growing recognition of the importance of environmental protection comes at a time when technological advances have made geospatial and spatiotemporal data more available than ever. From Earth monitoring satellites to environmental sensors, IoT devices, and smartphones, the range of data and data collection tools available provides us with unprecedented opportunities to make informed decisions on issues potentially impacting the environment. This module, part of the Professional Diploma in Climate Adaption and Sustainability, aims to train students in how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software in how to use and interpret geospatial and spatiotemporal environmental data from a wide range of sources - applying geographic skills to real world challenges in order to make a positive difference.
Syllabus:
This module will train students in the use of open source and/or commercial Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to analyse environmental and other geospatial data. Topics to be covered include:
- Types of data: vector (point, line, and polygon), raster, and attribute geospatial data
- Importing primary and secondary data into GIS software
- Choosing and working with geographic and projected coordinate reference systems
- Manipulating geospatial data using geometric, geoprocessing, and analysis tools, including plugins and extensions
- Working with geospatial temporal data
- Illustrating geospatial data through the production of maps and animated images
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Compile attribute, vector (point, line, and polygon), and raster geospatial and spatiotemporal data from a range of sources and/or primary data collection
2. Use geographic and projected coordinate reference systems
3. Evaluate geospatial data using a range of geometric, geoprocessing, and analysis tools
4. Determine appropriate courses of action through analysis of geospatial data
5. Illustrate geospatial data effectively by producing maps and other visualisations
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
6. Demonstrate an appreciation of legal and ethical issues surrounding the collection and use of geospatial data
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorial exercises, and independent learning. Lectures will provide the theoretical background to geographic concepts, which will be developed and extended through tutorial exercises training students in the use of various elements of GIS software and geospatial data. This will be further reinforced through directed reading (leading to independent study) to illustrate the range of issues to which geospatial techniques can be applied.
Exercises will be designed using research data in order to train students how to apply the discipline knowledge and skills gained to real-world problems. Directed reading will be based around recent research showing students how application of these skills can make a positive difference.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bearman, N. (2020)
GIS: research methods
, Bloomsbury
Zhu, X. (2016)
GIS for Environmental Applications: A practical approach
, Routledge
Peterson, G.I. (2020)
GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design
, CRC Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
breandan.macgabhann@ul.ie