Module Details

Module Code: INTR6016
Title: Introductory GIS
Long Title: Introductory GIS
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to Geographic Information Science and the use of GIS software as a decision support application tool. Through the delivery of lectures and laboratory assignments the student will study how to combine spatial data using GIS software and develop an awareness of GIS applications in specific specialist disciplines such as engineering or architecture or marketing or local government.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify sources of spatial data and explore modern data capture methods.
LO2 Describe how geographic information may be structured and manipulated to provide solutions across discipline specific applications.
LO3 Recognise the benefits of data sharing hubs and spatial data infastructures (SDI) within the GI community.
LO4 Combine demographic and topographic information using GI software skills.
LO5 Describe the legal and ethical issues surrounding the reuse of GIS data and personal privacy sensitive information through data portal hubs and other spatial information sources.
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
GIS Software
Use advanced software to establish structured data sets for a range of GIS discipline specific applications for example engineering or architecture or marketing or local government.
Spatial Data
Identify sources of spatial data. Explore the relationship between metadata, datasets, mapping and coordinate systems.
Problem Solving
Undertake discipline specific GIS related practical projects using openly available environmental, topographical, social or demographic information.
Legal Requirements
INSPIRE requirements for metadata and datasets, data sharing, access to data, re-use of public sector information, data protection, personal privacy sensitive information, the role of the Data Protection Office, copyright.
Coordinate Reference Systems
Ordnance Survey Ireland, Irish Grid & Irish Transverse Mercator, migrating between grid systems, coordinate transformations, the role of a coordinate system in building a dataset.
Field Data Capture
GNSS for land surveying, real time kinemetic (RTK) survey systems, network RTK, data accuracy in mapping.
Spatial Data Queries
Identifying applications for GIS data, use of spatial data for structured GIS solutions, structured queries and data storage.
Remote Sensing Technology
Lidar, terrestrial laser scanning, satellite based technology, creating national mapping from digital imagery sources, sources of digital imagery.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Use of GI software to demonstrate an awareness of how spatial data may be sourced, organised, structured and
manipulated.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Applications of GI for solutions to discipline specific problems in areas such as the environment, engineering, architecture, planning, social / demographic studies, etc, written report & project assessment.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Written assessment covering the basic GIS as delivered through class lectures and the princilples required in using software to provide structured GIS solutions to common GIS problems.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Delivery of module content Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact GIS software laboratory Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Problem solving and preperation / review of lab assignments. Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture material, completion of laboratory assignments Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.50
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 Delivery of module content Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact GIS software laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Tutorial Contact Application of module content through GI software Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture material, completion of laboratory assignments Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 8.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Paul Bolstad. (2017), GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems,, 5th. [ISBN: 1506695876].
  • John G Lyon. (2008), GIS for Water Resources and Watershed Management, CRC Press, [ISBN: 0203273494].
  • Bruce Douglas. (2008), Achieving Business Success with GIS, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, [ISBN: 9780470985588].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • web-site, www.airo.ie.
  • Web-site, www.osi.ie.
  • Web-site, www.cso.ie.
  • Web-site, www.prai.ie.
  • Web-site, www.gsi.ie.
  • Web-site, www.opengeospatial.org.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CBIMG_7 Certificate in Building Information Modelling Technologies 1 Elective
CR_EENEN_8 Certificate in Environmental and Energy Engineering 1 Elective
CR_EENEN_7 Certificate in Environmental and Energy Engineering 1 Elective
CR_EENEN_7 Certificate in Environmental and Energy Engineering 2 Elective