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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:
Mr Dominic Robinson
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
Specified Learning Activities

80
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Lectures

12
Practical

12
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).

Name Role
Professor Ainhoa Gonzalez Del Campo Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
ZIKANG JI Tutor
Zikang Ji Tutor

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
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
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