EAE4051 Fundamentals of geographical information science
Faculty of Science
EAE4051 Fundamentals of geographical information science is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
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Requisites
Before EAE4051
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After EAE4051
4 units list EAE4051 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit introduces geographical information science (GIScience). It covers the basic theories, methods and technology associated with collection, management, processing, integration and use of geographical information. You will explore fundamental issues raised by the use of geographical information and related technologies such as spatial data modelling, map projections, spatial analysis and spatial visualisation. The unit provides the foundation for further study on geographical information systems, remote sensing and global navigation satellite systems.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical workDemonstration40%
- On-line theory quizQuiz / Test40%
- Project20%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Understand basic concepts and principles of GIScience;
- 2
Understand the nature of spatial data;
- 3
Gain fundamental knowledge of methods and techniques of GIScience, including mapping, spatial data manipulation and analysis;
- 4
Have basic skills and competency in basic methods of spatial data handling using geographical information technology;
- 5
Comprehend the breadth and depth of applications of GIScience and technology.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities30 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- 1-hour lecture videos;
- 2-hour workshops;
- 3-hour practicals/project and
- 6-hour independent study per week
The unit is composed of online pre-recorded lecture videos, prescribed readings, two-hour workshops, and three-hour computer-based practicals/projects on a weekly basis. The workshops are designed to engage students in learning through (1) reviewing and discussing key concepts introduced in the online lecture videos, (2) presenting case studies, or (3) collectively designing GIScience solutions to address selected problems. The workshops and lecture videos are to explain the concepts and principles and demonstrate their applications. Practicals help develop skills and competency in basic methods of spatial data handling using geographical information technologies. The project helps develop ability to apply the learnt knowledge and skills to solve real world problems.
Learning resources
Required resources
Zhu, X. (2024) Geographical Information Systems: A Practical Approach, second edition. Routledge, UK.
Recommended resources
Other readings to be advised during the course.
Technology resources
GIS software: ArcGIS Pro (campus licensed) and QGIS (freeware).
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Xuan Zhu
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Xuan Zhu
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE4051?
EAE4051 has no prerequisites.
What can I take after EAE4051?
EAE4051 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including EAE5015, EAE5018, EAE5051 and EAE5052.
When is EAE4051 offered?
In 2027, EAE4051 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does EAE4051 have an exam?
No. EAE4051 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.