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GEOG41210

Academic Year 2025/2026

GIS for Decision-Making (GEOG41210)

Subject:
Geography
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Geography
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Ainhoa Gonzalez Del Campo
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Ongoing technological advancements are expanding the use and applicability of spatial data and GIS. As a result, GIS have become central to informing planning and policy decisions across a wide range of sectors. Similarly, GIS-based maps and information are seamlessly shared online and through social media channels, providing valuable resources for day-to-day decisions. Efficiently analysing and meaningfully presenting geographic information is therefore key. Harnessing the potential of GIS for decision-making is a highly sought-after skillset in the workplace.

This module aims to advancing the students' theoretical and practical knowledge of GIS towards problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making. It focuses on exploring advanced geoprocessing methods and tools, cartographic enhancement and online data visualisation and sharing - using both ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. This includes: automation of ArcGIS workflows, using ModelBuilder; the creation of 3D models and BIM integration; developing interactive online WebApps; and the creation of a digital GIS portfolio in Story Maps. Students will be introduced to ongoing technological advancements and capacitate them for life-long self-directed learning in GIS.

* Completion of 'GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications' or validated prior ArcGIS Pro skills are required to be able to take this module.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module the student will have:

- Theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced data processing and GIS applications to support decision-making;
- Advanced working competence of ArcGIS Pro;
- Ability to automate geospatial analysis tasks though ModelBuilder;
- Ability to create 3D models and integrate Building Information Models (BIM);
- Working competence on ArcGIS Online for the creation of interactive Web applications;
- Ability to research, collate and manage various formats of online spatial data (including Lidar); and
- Ability for self-directed learning.

Indicative Module Content:

Advancements in GIS technology and applications.
GIS ethics: What are the implications of ever advancing innovation in GIS?
Time series; Network analysis.
Multi-criteria analysis
ModelBuilder – Automating workflows.
Data-driven pages; Map packages.
Working with LIDAR and BIM data; 3D visualisation and recording.
WebMaps and Experience Builder.
StoryMaps.
Survey 123 and Field Maps.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

12
Specified Learning Activities

80
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

204

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is delivered in a computer lab through hands-on demonstrative and problem-solving exercises. A limited number of lectures will deliver the theory and introduce concepts, terminology and applications.

Students will be guided through the practicals with detailed handouts, but self-directed learning will be pursued through some of the assignments by applying GIS to areas/topics relevant to their discipline, research or area of interest.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

- Basic theoretical and conceptual understanding of GIS principles and applications.
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay on GIS ethics Week 3 Graded No
15
 No
Individual Project: Multi-criteria spatial analysis and geoprocessing workflow Week 6 Graded No
35
 No
Portfolio: Story map CV, including Web application, and module outputs Week 8 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback on each assignment will be provided post-completion via Brightspace. This will be complemented with in-class general feedback and peer-review feedback activities (e.g. sharing output maps for review and comment).

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
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