Courses / Module

The module will introduce the main complementary methodologies with geocomputation: geographical information systems; spatial statistics; exploratory spatial data analysis; and the science of spatial data handling. It covers fundamental concepts, techniques and ideas that shape Geographical Information Science and associated GIS Software. The module will be taught as a mix of lectures and intensive practicals. The lecture series will introduce key concepts and analytical approaches used within GI Science including; the foundations of GIS, spatial data models, data input and output, core spatial modelling and specialist analytical approaches and techniques. The practicals will be based around the following software applications programs: ArcGIS and MapInfo, with a particular emphasis on the former. The module will familiarise students with the software using a series of cumulative practical exercises based on a series of GIS applications from a range of subjects including geography, environmental modelling and planning. Students will also gain experience of manipulating and understanding a range of digital spatial data in the course of this module.