Module: Introduction to environmental spatial analysis

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to environmental spatial analysis
Module Code	GY110 (ITS) / ENS1016 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	History & Geography
Module Co-ordinator	Jimmy O'Keeffe
Module Teachers	Gránia Shanahan
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

At its simplest, spatial analysis is concerned with understanding the world around us through mapping and visualising complex data and large datasets to help make informed decisions. In today’s digital world, spatial analysis is therefore essential to all aspects of our lives. Although we often take it for granted, it is used for a variety of fundamental purposes including mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors. Common examples of its uses include environmental management and conservation, emergency service planning and humanitarian relief, resource management, health care provision, land use and urban planning, utilities management, transport and retail and food sectors. Each of these sectors are likely to be directly or indirectly impacted by climate and environmental change. This module is designed to give students an understanding and experience of basic spatial analysis and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) concepts, functionality and its uses. The module will specifically explore spatial data analysis and project management through the use of online (Google Earth) and commercial GIS mapping software (ArcGIS). The module will introduce students to the basics of GIS and its applications and applies a problem-solving approach using hands-on practical lectures. Students will be trained in the collection, management, visualisation and analysis of geographic data through and examination of real-world climatic and environmental sustainability challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, access and explore resources related to environmental and climatic spatial data
2. Manipulate and analyse environmental spatial data and produce basic analysis and maps using GIS software
3. Demonstrate basic technical skills using different GIS software and tools to examine and address complex global environmental challenges
4. Interpret results and communicate findings (oral and in writing) of environmental spatial data analysis
5. Manage and deliver GIS research projects/portfolios at individual and/or group levels

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	40	Completion of online digital lectures/tutorials/content
Assignment Completion	24	Attendance, participation and completion of all in-class exercises
Assignment Completion	24	Completion of e-portfolio reflection weekly
Assignment Completion	37	Research, analysis and completion of individual/group GIS project
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative content and Learning Activities
Introduction to GIS and GI software

Indicative content and Learning Activities
Google Earth/ArcGIS online and their interfaces; files, layers and data management

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Digitising data

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Editing digitised data

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Data gathering and visualisation in GIS

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Map layouts, symbology and simple spatial analysis

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Data sourcing, visualisation and management

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Environmental and climatic data mapping

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	Pre-assigned online digital lectures/tutorials/content Students will complete online GIS tutorials and lectures to understand and work with basic GIS concepts, functionality and tools. These tutorials will be used to provide students with basic theoretical and practical foundations for use in practical in-class GIS exercises.	20%	As required
In Class Test	Completion of in-class exercises related ro pre-assigned online digital lectures/tutorials/content Each week students will complete an in-class GIS exercise related to the skills developed from the pre-assigned online digital lectures/tutorials/content	15%	Every Week
Portfolio	E-Portfolio. Students will develop and complete an e-portfolio highlighting the skills learned/challenges encountered during the course of the module	15%	As required
Project	GIS Project. Students will work in groups to analyse and interpret spatial environmental or climatic data utilised over the course of the module and present their results in oral/written formats	50%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None