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Lecturer In Charge: Prof Qiming Zhou

Objectives

• To introduce students to the concepts and the techniques of handling geographical data through a particular form of information system - GIS;
• To introduce students to the skills and techniques to input, manage, analyse and display spatial information; and
• To introduce students to the concepts and techniques for spatial data analysis and modelling.

Geographical Information System (GIS) is an information system that is specially designed for handling spatial (or geographical) data. It combines a set of interrelated software components that create, edit, manipulate, analyse and display data both in text and graphic forms. GIS supports spatial analysis and modelling within the discipline of geogrpahy (e.g. location, proximity and spatial distribution), so that it becomes a vital tool for modern geography.

Assessment

Course work involves laboratory projects that require students to develope technical skills in operating GIS software. The ArcView GIS software produced by ESRI will be used for all laboratory exercises and projects that allow students to input, manage, analyse and display geographical data and produce thematic maps. Mid-session quize contains short questions that are designed to test students' understanding of the basic concepts of GIS technology. The examination will be composed of short questions and major questions with the emphasis on the concepts and theory of spatial information technology.

Teaching methods/Approach to Learning

Lectures and laboratory classes are the major means of teaching. Emphasis will be put on the hands-on exercises and projects using the state-of-the-art GIS software.