GEOS2161

Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Environmental and Life Sciences

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

This course provides students with an introduction to the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing and the application of these techniques to the environmental and life sciences. The first part of the course focuses on GIS, where the structure and format of GIS data, data input and transformation, database compilation, and the use of search criteria and spatial modelling to carry out suitability mapping are examined. In remote sensing, the focus is the capture and processing of satellite images, and how data from various satellite platforms are used in the environmental and life sciences. The course is strongly computer-based, and students will gain experience in the use of Mapinfo (GIS) and IDRISI (remote sensing) software.

This course has a Compulsory Course Component requiring that students must obtain a minimum grade of 40% in the final examination to pass the course.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students will:

1. Understand the principles of remote sensing and digital image processing;
2. Understand the principles of geographic information systems (GIS);
3. Gain experience in the applications of remote sensing and GIS to solving problems in the environmental and life sciences;
4. Gain experience in the use of image processing and GIS software.

Content

1. Principles of aerial photography and satellite remote sensing
2. Sensor types and platforms
3. Digital image processing
4. Remote sensing applications in the environmental and life sciences
5. Principles of GIS
6. Data input, processing and manipulation
7. Search and querying and spatial modelling
8. Application of GIS to the environmental and life sciences

Replacing Course(s)

Transition

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

INFO1010 AND GEOS1040 or GEOS1050 or ENVS1050. Students taking this course must also be reasonably experienced using computers and know how to use Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), understand file paths and folder structures, know how to save and back up work.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Practical

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	GIS written report.
Examination: Formal	This component has a Compulsory Course Component. To fulfil the course objectives, students must gain a satisfactory understanding of the principles of remote sensing, GIS, and digital image and data processing. Therefore, students must achieve a minimum of 40% in the Final Examination in order to demonstrate that they have fulfilled these objectives. On achieving a minimum of 40% in the final exam, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student satisfied the Compulsory Course Component. Students who fail to satisfy the Compulsory Course Component will be awarded a zero mark and a FF grade, irrespective of their final numeric mark. In such a case, the normal avenues of appeal will be open to them.
Laboratory Exercises	GIS Practical Exercises and Remote Sensing Practical Exercises.

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Practical: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Compulsory Course Component	In order to meet course objectives aligned with the students' understanding of, and ability to manipulate and apply the theoretical concepts which form the core of the course material students must obtain a minimum grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester, examination for the course.

Timetables