GV2GEONU: Geographical Information Systems

Module code: GV2GEONU

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Jess Neumann , email: j.l.neumann@reading.ac.uk

NUIST module lead: Simon Measho Yhdego, email: 100101@nuist.edu.cn

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module introduces students to the principles, techniques and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The focus of the content delivery is ‘hands-on’, based on a series of practical sessions to introduce students to computer-based tasks including working with different types of spatial data and their storage and management, setting coordinate systems and projections, spatial analysis and geoprocessing, creating and editing data, and cartography and symbology. Students will complete a real-world problem-based project using spatial data, based on set criteria and policy. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Obtain spatial datasets and digital mapping information (e.g. aerial imagery, topographic basemaps, geology and landcover maps, landscape feature data, primary data) from relevant sources.  
2. Create and edit new spatial data within a GIS. 
3. Apply appropriate geoprocessing processes and spatial queries to data to problem solve.  
4. Produce GIS maps to a professional, publishable standard.   

Module content

During the module, a series of step-by-step practicals will be undertaken. These introduce students to the basic functions and tools within a GIS.  This will include data types and data input; data display and 'on-screen' digitising; coordinate systems; geoprocessing; spatial analysis, symbology, labelling and map composition and design. Students will also collect their own primary data to add to this project.  

Later in the module, students develop their new GIS skills further, by working on a spatial analysis project. The choice of topic varies but recent examples include: suitability analysis to identify potential sites for new housing developments / new woodland planting for flood risk mitigation / siting wind farms for renewable energy generation. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The approach is practical and 'hands-on' with most of the teaching and learning taking place in computer labs. Students will be encouraged to consolidate techniques learnt during practical sessions in their own time on their own personal computers or on-campus. Additional support sessions and drop-ins are arranged throughout the semesters. Interactive student support tools, such as a support forum help to support a knowledge base of FAQs.  

Study hours

At least 52 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.