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Geographical Information Systems
UoS Code TPTM6180
Credit points 6
Offered Semester 2
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Prohibitions
Assumed Knowledge This unit assumes no prior knowledge of GIS; the unit is hands-on involving the use of software, which students will be trained in using.
Additional Information
Lectures Block mode: 6 days, 9am-5pm. Refer to timetable for further details.
Assessment Individual tutorial exercises using GIS software, group project using GIS software, group and individual presentations and final written examination.
Description This unit introduces students to Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which have revolutionised the ability to support different types of transportation, logistics and planning analyses. The course begins by introducing students to the fundamentals of GIS, the spatial model, how data are organised and how spatial queries work. We then focus on spatial data sources, with a particular focus on GPS, including practical application and use within a GIS system. The course then moves to a largely hands-on focus in which students will use the powerful TransCAD GIS software package to help analyse a number of practical problems (e.g., planning a routing and delivery system for a transport company in Sydney, figuring out where to locate a new store, establishing potential demand for a new bus service). Students will also gain knowledge of how open-source GIS software (e.g., Google Maps, Google Streets) can be used to analyse spatial problems. By the end of the course, students will be able to conduct and evaluate a GIS case study in terms of implementation of a data model, the use of appropriate GIS tools and techniques, benefits and barriers of the implemented system, and how the system could be improved. This unit will appeal to all students interested in the spatial impact of decisions.