Module Details

Module Code: ENVI8006
Title: Environmental GIS
Long Title: Environmental GIS
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4220 - Environmental Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a system designed to facilitate the collection, management and analysis of large volumes of geographically tagged environmental data. This module deals with the fundamental principles and technologies of GIS, the practical techniques of implementing a GIS and the creation and use of a GIS for spatial analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the role of GIS and its application is solving practical problems with respect to water and air quality monitoring
LO2 Describe how geographical data is represented with emphasis on the accuracy, capabilities, limitations and errors associated with GPS
LO3 Use and evaluate GIS compatible instrumentation and commercial GIS software packages
LO4 Collect environmental data and upload it to a GI database
LO5 Solve problems in spatial analysis in the areas of visualisation and query/measurement of environmental data
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Principles of GPS / GIS
Introduction to coordinate systems, GPS technology and its associated accuracy / capabilities / limitations and errors. Introduction to GIS and its applications. Difference between a GIS sytem and Google Earth/maps. Representing geography and the nature of locationally indexed data. Georeferencing. GIS instrumentation. The notion of uncertainity in GI data
Techniques
Instrumentation for capturing spatially indexed data. GIS software. GIS data collection. GPS/GIS software interfaces. Creating and managing GI data. Introduction to distributed and web GIS.
Analysis
Visualisation of GI data. Query and measurement. Data summary and inference. Introduction to spatial modelling. Case Studies: EPA Envision system with respect to air quality and water quality data. Spatial variation of landfill gases, stack emissions, single point water pollutants.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Examination on GPS technology, GIS theory, applications and instrumentation
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory work / case studies involving the use of GIS software and hardware
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Project involving the acquistion and storage of environmental data in a GIS database with subsequent analysis for selected environmental parameters
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Skills test involving the use of GIS hardware and software
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Delivery of course material Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory exercises supporting course material Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent study of course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivery of course material Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Laboratory exercises supporting course material Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Assignments and case studies Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent study of course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, Steve Carver. (2011), An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 4. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780273722595].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Paul A. Longley, Mike Goodchild, David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind,. (2010), Geographic Information Systems and Science, 3. [ISBN: 978-0-470-72144-5].
  • Gary Sherman, Tyler Mitchell (Editor). (2012), The Geospatial Desktop, [ISBN: 978-0986805219].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 5 Elective
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 5 Elective
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 5 Elective