This course covers the fundamental theories and methods of Geographical Information System (GIS), and also demonstrates how to use the software ArcGIS to implement various GIS operations and analyses.

Five sessions will run on over five consecutive weeks during the first semester. Each session will consist of a lecture (1 hour) and a practical session (2 hours).

Principles of GIS (GEOG5019)

Geographical Information Systems (GEOG4062)

Principles and Applications of GIS (URBAN5111)

None

Assessment:

The course is 100% assessed by a 2,500 works project report.

This course, including both lectures and practicals, will cover the fundamental theories and methods of GIS. With the skills obtained from this course, the students will be able to edit, organize and manipulate spatial data in meaningful ways to solve spatial problems in reality. The specific teaching aims are to: 

■ describe the components of geographic information systems (GIS);

■ explain GIS data structures and models, including vector and raster data;

■ introduce spatial data operation, such as distance calculation, overlay and buffer analysis;

■ explain the framework of spatial database and how to design an efficient spatial database; and

■ introduce how to use the most popular GIS software - ArcGIS - to implement the main functions of GIS.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ under the principles, concepts and theories underpinning spatial analysis;

■ examine and evaluate the use of spatial and GIS models;

■ combine different spatial data operations to solve complex urban and spatial planning problems;

■ understand spatial data and how they are organized in GIS software;

■ design and create a proper spatial database; and import data into ArcGIS and export data from ArcGIS to external files;

■ distinguish between different spatial data models (vector and raster);

■ implement spatial operations and analyses (such as overlay and buffer analyses) on vector and raster data; and

■ apply obtained GIS skills to empirical applications, such as land use suitability analysis.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Minimum requirement for award of credit for students on MSc City Planning and MSc Real Estate is D3 or above.

All the students are required to attend all the lab (practical) sessions otherwise University standard regulations apply to students on other qualifications.