CLB223 Geospatial Information Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CLB223 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ERB101 or ERB110 or ERB102 or ERB111 or EVB102 or admission to ST20 |
| Equivalent(s): | UDB181, EVB203 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $5,664 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CLB223 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ERB101 or ERB110 or ERB102 or ERB111 or EVB102 or admission to ST20 |
| Equivalent: | EVB203 |
| Coordinator: | Craig O'Neill | craig.oneill@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces the theory and concepts of digital geographic information science with a focus on the interpretation of earth and environmental data from observations and sources like remote sensing and climate models/reanalysis data. You will record and create geospatial information that you share and combine to class data sets for mapping and analysis. Skills on accessing and processing scientific datasets in formats like NetCDF, HDF are developed through collecting and processing environmental data sets. Cartographic products are created to respond research questions about spatial patterns and environmental variability. Thus, a final report assessment demonstrates spatial analytical thought by analysing the datasets and discussing possible explanations to the patterns identified. Think spatially about processes and patterns, create informative and accurate geographic information and reporting products based on real world geospatial data sets.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the nature of spatial data organization, concepts, and spatial referencing systems.
- Apply spatial data collection skills combining GPS technologies and remote sensing/digital datasets.
- Integrate geospatial analysis and information for evaluation and analysis of spatially related environmental data.
- Produce a scientific report to communicate results based on the integration and analysis geospatial information.
Content
Structure and organisation of geographical data and spatial data in digital environments.
- Spatial referencing systems, both local and global.
- Elements of the global positioning system including the space segment, control segment and user segment; GPS mission planning; error sources and accuracy.
- Spatial structure, patterns, and sampling considerations.
- Introductory applications of GIS and remote sensing for supporting environmental decision-making.
- Spatial analyses and geoprocessing to create information from data.
- Cartographic communication and visual representation of multi-dimensional digital mapping data.
Learning Approaches
As a second year unit this unit builds upon the foundational knowledge learned in the first year of the degree. In this unit, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed learning to uncover answers to your own questions.
This unit utilises formal and interactive lectures, including a series of applied tutorials with field and computer-based exercises to gain knowledge of and skills in manipulation and analysis of geospatial information.
Lectures provide the scientific background for a series of tutorials assisting the development of your geospatially focused problem-solving skills.
In the tutorials, several real-world challenges will be explored by working individually or in small interdisciplinary teams to collect, evaluate, analyse, and synthesise geospatially related information. You are expected to solve problems with minimum guidance from the tutor and share the understanding and experience. You will develop analytical and problem-solving skills while working independently and within small teams using some blended learning approaches.
Fieldwork based learning activities develop your practical skills in data collection and recording, analysis, synthesis, and communication.
A range of physical and digital resources will be made available to enhance your learning.
You can expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorial, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent readings to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will gain feedback in the unit by participating in tutorials with peers and teaching staff. A peer feedback opportunity will be provided for Assessment 1 Cartographic Products before submission. Written feedback will also be provided for assessments 1 and 2 from teaching staff.
Assessment
Overview
Weekly learning activities are designed to provide practical guidance of concepts introduced in lecture and directly feed into assessments. For the first assessment, you will clean and manipulate a provided data set for visualisation as a cartographic product to meet a certain objective. Learning activities in tutorials provide guidance on how to clean, manipulate, synthesise, and visualise these data supporting the first assessment.
The second assessment utilises the environmental field data the you will collect as a part of this unit. These data will building on previous skills and require analysis of the data to answer a specific question in the format of a scientific report addressing.
The final assessment will be a series of online quizzes testing knowledge of geospatial concepts, analyses, and problem-solving regarding spatial data.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation)
Geospatial Information Applications
You will conduct and report on practical activities including:
(a) Digital mapping and cartographic outcomes
(b) Data collation and analysis of results
(c) GIS and Remote Sensing evaluation and analysis skills
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)
Organization and Analysis of Spatial Data
(a) Spatial Analysis Skills
(b) Demonstration of Spatial Data Skills
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Quizzes
Knowledge based assessment
Geospatial Information knowledge based on material covered in lectures and tutorials
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit and the associated fieldwork.
Resources
All learning materials including recommended and readings will be provided each week in your Canvas site. You are strongly encourage to make of use of specified course materials available through the library. Fieldwork equipment will be provided by the Faculty of Science for use during the fieldwork components of this unit. We have included a list of suggested books below, which you may wish to access to support your learning in this unit.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Author: Bossler, Campbell, McMaster, Rizos
Title: Manual of Geospatial Science and Technology
Year: 2010. Publisher: CRC Press Edition: Second
Author: Hoalst-Pullen and Patterson
Title: Geospatial Technologies in Environmental Management
Year: 2010. Publisher: Springer, New York Edition: First
Author: Karimi, Hassan A., editor.
Title: Geospatial data science techniques and applications
Year: 2018. Publisher: Boca Raton, Florida; London, England : CRC Press
Author: McHaffie, Patrick, et al.
Title: Gis: An Introduction to Mapping Technologies
Year: 2018. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms and computer laboratories. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. However, you will be required to undertake an off campus field practical of a supervised and self-guided nature. A formal risk assessment for the practical has identified only low impact risks. An on-site safety briefing will be given at commencement of the practical sessions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Quizzes - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Quizzes - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | CLB223 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ERB101 or ERB110 or ERB102 or ERB111 or EVB102 or admission to ST20 |
| Equivalent: | EVB203 |
Overview
This unit introduces the theory and concepts of digital geographic information science with a focus on the interpretation of earth and environmental data from observations and sources like remote sensing and climate models/reanalysis data. You will record and create geospatial information that you share and combine to class data sets for mapping and analysis. Skills on accessing and processing scientific datasets in formats like NetCDF, HDF are developed through collecting and processing environmental data sets. Cartographic products are created to respond research questions about spatial patterns and environmental variability. Thus, a final report assessment demonstrates spatial analytical thought by analysing the datasets and discussing possible explanations to the patterns identified. Think spatially about processes and patterns, create informative and accurate geographic information and reporting products based on real world geospatial data sets.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the nature of spatial data organization, concepts, and spatial referencing systems.
- Apply spatial data collection skills combining GPS technologies and remote sensing/digital datasets.
- Integrate geospatial analysis and information for evaluation and analysis of spatially related environmental data.
- Produce a scientific report to communicate results based on the integration and analysis geospatial information.
Content
Structure and organisation of geographical data and spatial data in digital environments.
- Spatial referencing systems, both local and global.
- Elements of the global positioning system including the space segment, control segment and user segment; GPS mission planning; error sources and accuracy.
- Spatial structure, patterns, and sampling considerations.
- Introductory applications of GIS and remote sensing for supporting environmental decision-making.
- Spatial analyses and geoprocessing to create information from data.
- Cartographic communication and visual representation of multi-dimensional digital mapping data.
Learning Approaches
As a second year unit this unit builds upon the foundational knowledge learned in the first year of the degree. In this unit, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed learning to uncover answers to your own questions.
This unit utilises formal and interactive lectures, including a series of applied tutorials with field and computer-based exercises to gain knowledge of and skills in manipulation and analysis of geospatial information.
Lectures provide the scientific background for a series of tutorials assisting the development of your geospatially focused problem-solving skills.
In the tutorials, several real-world challenges will be explored by working individually or in small interdisciplinary teams to collect, evaluate, analyse, and synthesise geospatially related information. You are expected to solve problems with minimum guidance from the tutor and share the understanding and experience. You will develop analytical and problem-solving skills while working independently and within small teams using some blended learning approaches.
Fieldwork based learning activities develop your practical skills in data collection and recording, analysis, synthesis, and communication.
A range of physical and digital resources will be made available to enhance your learning.
You can expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorial, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent readings to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will gain feedback in the unit by participating in tutorials with peers and teaching staff. A peer feedback opportunity will be provided for Assessment 1 Cartographic Products before submission. Written feedback will also be provided for assessments 1 and 2 from teaching staff.
Assessment
Overview
Weekly learning activities are designed to provide practical guidance of concepts introduced in lecture and directly feed into assessments. For the first assessment, you will clean and manipulate a provided data set for visualisation as a cartographic product to meet a certain objective. Learning activities in tutorials provide guidance on how to clean, manipulate, synthesise, and visualise these data supporting the first assessment.
The second assessment utilises the environmental field data the you will collect as a part of this unit. These data will building on previous skills and require analysis of the data to answer a specific question in the format of a scientific report addressing.
The final assessment will be a series of online quizzes testing knowledge of geospatial concepts, analyses, and problem-solving regarding spatial data.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation)
Geospatial Information Applications
You will conduct and report on practical activities including:
(a) Digital mapping and cartographic outcomes
(b) Data collation and analysis of results
(c) GIS and Remote Sensing evaluation and analysis skills
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)
Organization and Analysis of Spatial Data
(a) Spatial Analysis Skills
(b) Demonstration of Spatial Data Skills
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Quizzes
Knowledge based assessment
Geospatial Information knowledge based on material covered in lectures and tutorials
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit and the associated fieldwork.
Resources
All learning materials including recommended and readings will be provided each week in your Canvas site. You are strongly encourage to make of use of specified course materials available through the library. Fieldwork equipment will be provided by the Faculty of Science for use during the fieldwork components of this unit. We have included a list of suggested books below, which you may wish to access to support your learning in this unit.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Author: Bossler, Campbell, McMaster, Rizos
Title: Manual of Geospatial Science and Technology
Year: 2010. Publisher: CRC Press Edition: Second
Author: Hoalst-Pullen and Patterson
Title: Geospatial Technologies in Environmental Management
Year: 2010. Publisher: Springer, New York Edition: First
Author: Karimi, Hassan A., editor.
Title: Geospatial data science techniques and applications
Year: 2018. Publisher: Boca Raton, Florida; London, England : CRC Press
Author: McHaffie, Patrick, et al.
Title: Gis: An Introduction to Mapping Technologies
Year: 2018. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms and computer laboratories. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. However, you will be required to undertake an off campus field practical of a supervised and self-guided nature. A formal risk assessment for the practical has identified only low impact risks. An on-site safety briefing will be given at commencement of the practical sessions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Quizzes - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Quizzes - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City), Quizzes - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Report 1 (Vectors and raster manipulation), Report 2 (Analysing the spatial pattern of environmental variables in Brisbane City)