Module: Introduction to environmental spatial analysis

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to environmental spatial analysis
Module Code	ENS1016 (ITS: GY110)
Faculty	History & Geography	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10750	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jimmy O'Keeffe	Module Teacher	Gránia Shanahan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None