Landscape Information Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) providing an understanding of the use of software and the acquisition, storage and interpretation of spatial and temporal data associated with landscapes. The subject covers the application of GIS in a number of fields including physical and human geography, planning and natural resource management. Students are introduced to core concepts in GIS and analytical techniques including spatial sampling, interaction models, and spatial statistics. Students are also provided instruction in the presentation of spatial data

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe the major techniques available for acquiring data
• Observe, sample and record data
• Interpret results using appropriate tools and techniques
• Have a basic knowledge of the operation of GIS software and data and how it is used in the context of geography, natural resource management, urban and regional planning and environmental science
• Understand core spatial concepts including mapping techniques
• Organise and analyse geographic data using a range of techniques
• Understand the principles of spatial data presentation and communication

• One 1000 word assignment due in approximately Week 6 worth 20%
• An exercise to be completed in laboratory classes equivalent of 1000 words due approximately Week 12 worth 20%
• A two-hour exam to be held in the end-of-semester exam period worth 60%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This subject encompasses particular generic skills so that on completion of the subject students should have developed skills relating to:

• The use of electronic forms of communication
• The student's flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management
• Working collaboratively with other students
• Enhanced ability to store, analyse and present data
• Accessing information from the library via both electronic and traditional means
• Problem solving and critical thinking