University of Sydney Handbooks - 2012 Archive

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Spatial Information Science

 

Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science

Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science

Master of Science in Spatial Information Science


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Course resolutions

1 Course codes

Code

Course and stream title

LG033

Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science

LF049

Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science

LC061

Master of Science in Spatial Information Science

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice, except that the graduate certificate is available part time only.

3 Master's type

The master's degree in these resolutions is an advanced learning master's course.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1)
The embedded courses in this sequence are:
(a)
Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science
(b)
Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science
(c)
Master of Science in Spatial Information Science
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1)
With approval from the Dean, available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma without the following qualifications, but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
(3)
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science requires a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(4)
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science requires:
(a)
a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(b)
completion of the embedded graduate certificate, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(5)
Admission to the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science requires:
(a)
a Bachelor of Science, with a credit average, from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b)
a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(c)
completion of the embedded graduate diploma, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

6 Requirements for award

(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the table for Spatial Information Science postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree, with special aims or interests, may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units from outside the table.
(2)
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science a candidate must complete 24 credit points of core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science a candidate must complete 36 credit points, including:
(a)
24 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
12 credit points of elective units of study.
(4)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science coursework pathway a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(a)
30 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
18 credit points of elective units of study.
(c)
Subject to the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points of study from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway.
(5)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science research pathway a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(a)
36 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
12 credit points of elective units of study.

Course overview

The Spatial Information Science articulated degree program provides an understanding of spatial analysis and modelling theory and use of GIS and Remote Sensing methods in a range of application fields. The opportunity to select optional units in combination with the core GIS units will allow students to focus on a preferred specialisation within the broader spatial science spectrum. In providing a solid grounding in the principles of spatio-temporal analysis and spatial reasoning, the core units will engender a depth of knowledge that is immediately transferable to industry. The optional units will extend this knowledge in specific applications areas and reinforce spatial science skills through practical and field-based training. Students may seek admission to the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Science, the Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science or the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science.

Course outcomes

The program will enable students to adopt effective spatial analysis methods for addressing broader environmental and socio-economic issues, examine geographical trends, embrace advances in spatial information technologies and contribute to innovations in the spatial science industry.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science who have completed the 12cp Research Project unit are eligible to apply for admission to a research degree (MSc, PhD).

Unitsof study table

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session
All Degrees: Core Units
NB: All students must enrol in GEOG5001 in their first semester of enrolment
GEOG5001
Geographic Information Science A
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
GEOG5002
Geographic Information Science B
6    A GEOG5001
Semester 2b
GEOG5003
Environmental Remote Sensing
6    A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS)
Semester 1
GEOG5004
Environmental Mapping and Monitoring
6      Semester 2
Diploma and Masters: Elective Units
Diploma students must complete 12 credit points from the following units.
Masters coursework pathway students must complete 18 credit points from the following units.
Masters research pathway students must complete 12 credit points from the following units.
AFNR5502
Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management
6    P Consent of the unit coordinator. Recommended units include GEOS2111/GEOS2911 (Natural Hazards: a GIS approach), ENVX3001 (Environmental GIS), SOIL 3004 (The Soil Resource), GEOS3014 (GIS in Coastal Management)
Semester 2
ENVI5809
Environmental Simulation Modelling
6      Semester 1
MARS5001
Coastal Processes and Systems
6      Semester 1
MARS5004
Coastal Management Field School
6      Int July
MARS5007
Coral Reefs and Climate Change
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1a
PLAN9073
GIS Based Planning Policy and Analysis
6      Int November
Masters Coursework Pathway: Additional Core Unit
RESP5001
Integrated Research Practice
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
Masters Research Pathway: Additional Core Unit
GEOG5005
Spatial Science Research Project
12   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Departmental permission required for enrolment
Semester 1
Semester 2

Unit of study descriptions 2012

AFNR5502 Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week weeks 1-6, 1x1 project weeks 7-11, 1x1-½ hour presentation scheduled for week s12 and 13, 1x3-hr practical weeks 1-6 Prerequisites: Consent of the unit coordinator. Recommended units include GEOS2111/GEOS2911 (Natural Hazards: a GIS approach), ENVX3001 (Environmental GIS), SOIL 3004 (The Soil Resource), GEOS3014 (GIS in Coastal Management) Assessment: 1x 20 min presentation (10%), laboratory work reports (30%), Group assignment (10%), 1x3000w project report (50%)
This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. We will review the basic principles of GIS and then focus on advanced RS principles and techniques used for land resource assessment and management. This will be followed by practical training in RS techniques, augmented by land management project development and implementation based on integration of GIS and RS tools. The unit thus consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualise it using integrated GIS and RS techniques.
Syllabus summary: Lectures will cover: Overview of the basic principles of Geographical Information Science (GISc), Advanced principles of remote sensing, Land resource information and data capture using RS, Digital elevation modelling and terrain analysis using remote sensing; Image enhancement and visualization; Image classification and interpretation; RS data interpretation for land resource inventory; RS and GIS for land use and land cover change analysis; Coupling of models of land resource assessment with GIS and RS. Fifty percent of learning time will be devoted to the design and implementation of projects, which can be selected from GIS and RS applications in: agricultural land management, vegetation studies, water and catchment (hydrological) studies; land-cover and land-use change modelling, pesticide and herbicide environmental risk assessment, environmental impact analysis, land degradation modelling including soil salinity, soil erosion, etc.
Textbooks
van Dijk, A. and Bos, M.G. 2001. GIS and remote sensing techniques in land- and water-management. Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht.
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report (100%)
The concept and use of computer modelling in natural resource management is introduced in this unit of study, which is aimed particularly at non-programmers. The unit involves a combination of lecture and applied modelling skills, with students learning practical techniques that can be applied to different environmental issues.
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Six lectures plus six workshops. Assessment: Report (100%)
This unit of study gives an overview of basic spatial data models, and enables students to understand the use of data from a variety of sources within a geographical information system (GIS). The analysis of spatial data, and its manipulation to address questions appropriate to planning or locational applications, will be addressed, as will the development of thematic maps from diverse data layers.
GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2b Classes: One 2 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks. Assumed knowledge: GEOG5001 Assessment: 2500 word report, assignment, WebCT quiz (100%)
This course will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The course is designed to provide an understanding of spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social and physical environmental applications and address emerging issues in GIS research. A range of topics will be introduced including field based capture of spatial information, spatial data structures, surface modelling, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, network analysis, spatial data uncertainty and social GIS. Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.
GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Richard Murphy Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 one hour lectures and a 4 hour practical per week Assumed knowledge: Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) Assessment: Assignments, practicals (100%)
The unit of study explores how remote sensing has enabled the science of Earth Observation to become the most valuable and widely-used tool for characterising and quantifying Earths vegetation, geology and marine ecosystems. The study introduces the physical processes that influence how light interacts with materials of the Earth's surface, which is the basis for Earth Observation. The course uses state-of-the-art, industry-standard software to introduce many different techniques in the analysis and interpretation of remotely sensed data. We will explore different kinds of remotely sensed data, starting from a simple colour photograph to multispectral and hyperspectral data gathered from satellites and aircraft. Earth Observation is becoming an essential skill for anyone interested in the natural environment - skills which are applicable across a wide range of science and environmental disciplines. Starting off simply, you will acquire the skills and knowledge to enable you to map and quantify vegetation and geology using image data acquired in different parts of the world. The objective of this course is to 'demystify' the use of satellite data and to provide the essential theoretical and practical skills to enable students to process data acquired by Earth Observation satellites and aircraft.
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Cowell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and one three hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments (100%)
The unit introduces methods associated with acquiring data in the field and examines issues associated with application of spatial data to environmental monitoring, terrain mapping and geocomputing. Students will learn both theoretically and practically how environmental data is collected using different remote sensing techniques, (pre)processing methods of integrating data in a GIS environment and the role of spatial data in understanding landscape processes and quantifying environmental change.
GEOG5005 Spatial Science Research Project

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Regular meetings with supervisor Assessment: Written thesis (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Departmental permission required for enrolment
This unit provides students with an opportunity for research and in-depth inquiry in a spatial science topic of interest allowing students to further extend their knowledge or theoretical and conceptual material presented in other units. The research topic will be arranged between the student and supervisor and must have a spatial science focus. Potential topics range from modeling coastal impacts of predicted sea level rise, applying remote sensing in vegetation change detection to the spatial modeling of public transport accessibility. The project topic may involve a spatial modeling or field component, or may be entirely literature-based.
MARS5001 Coastal Processes and Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ana Vila-Concejo Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks Assessment: Assignment, presentation and quiz (100%)
This unit of study explains the major coastal processes and systems of relevance to coastal zone management. These include rocky coasts and bluffs; beaches, barriers and dunes; and estuaries and inlets. The interactions between these processes and systems that are of most relevance to coastal management are highlighted, including coastal hazards such as beach erosion, dune migration, bluff retreat, coastal flooding and inlet closure/opening. Anthropogenic impacts are also analysed. The unit is presented in lectures and field excursions, the latter enabling each system to be examined first hand.
MARS5004 Coastal Management Field School

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Cowell Session: Int July Classes: Fieldwork 80 hours block mode Assessment: Assignment and report (100%)
The field school will be based around visits to a series of coastal sites along the NSW coast. The unit will include a series of introductory lectures followed by visits to the sites where both unit staff and local coastal managers and stakeholders will address the students on the nature of the site, its historical development and contemporary coastal management issues and solutions. Sites will be selected to the representative of both the range of coastal systems present along the NSW coast, as well as the range of management issues presented by the sites.
MARS5007 Coral Reefs and Climate Change

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jody Webster Session: Semester 1a Classes: 80 hours block mode includes lectures, tutorials and fieldwork Assessment: Written assignments: essay and project report; oral presentations; seminar and lecture participation (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit provides an in - depth understanding of the key geological, oceanographic,. biological and economic factors effecting climate change, energy generation and needs with specific reference to the Great Barrier Reef. Computer prediction of worst and best case scenarios are used to develop management strategies and policy implications. Learning activities will include a series of background lectures and research seminars, and tutorials on the development of a major research project. A major aspect of this unit is an independent research project conducted under the supervision of the course instructors. The unit concludes with a series of oral presentations based on student research. Assessment tasks will consist of two essays and a research project report and presentation. The curriculum in this unit is based on current research and a course book will be provided. This is a field intensive course held at One Tree Island Research Station. The course is ex-Gladstone Queensland and students are expected to make their own way there. The unit will be run over 8 days and there will be an additional course fee for food and accommodation, expected to be $600.
PLAN9073 GIS Based Planning Policy and Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Krishna Shrestha Session: Int November Classes: Lectures, studios and workshops 2 hrs/wk Assessment: Two smaller analytical assessments (2x25%) and a larger report (50%)
This unit is concerned with using GIS to analyse planning problems and undertake policy analyses. The unit will include a comprehensive introduction to mapping and the use of GIS: data structures, topology, projections, spatial and non-spatial queries. Australian census products will be described and students will be expected to analyse census statistics using GIS maps. The role of GIS in coordinating various forms of information for policy analyses, preparing master plans, in presenting information for development control, impact analyses and wider management purposes will also be covered. The use of GIS to support visualisation will be covered, using examples about designing development projects and planning instruments. Finally, the various forms of distributing maps to the public and policy-makers will be discussed.
The unit integrates the hands-on learning of GIS software with a `research-based` approach. Teaching will involve short lectures, studios and workshops. Assessment will be on a series of smaller assignments and a larger report prepared by each student that integrates GIS-based (and other) graphics into a coherent policy analysis. In addition, each student will make oral presentations on their work in studio sessions.
RESP5001 Integrated Research Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof D Dragovich Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Three 1000 word reports, oral presentation (100%)
This unit will provide research training for students to synthesize and draw conclusions from their coursework experience and learning, and to enable them to revise and/or develop the necessary skills for undertaking research as part of their intellectual and/or professional growth. These skills include critical reading, developing the research proposal, developing a research plan with timelines and benchmarks, critical writing, library search techniques, use of referencing systems like EndNote, matters relating to intellectual property and authorship, how to follow instructions to authors and report presentation.