Unit of Study GENG1003 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Enrolment information

This unit requires software that is only compatible with Windows (W10 and newer).

Unit description

Introduces students to geographic information systems (GIS) and how GIS can be used to solve a simple spatial problem in environmental science. Students will use location data from a global positioning system (GPS) and other field data. They will integrate these data into a geodatabase via Excel. They will gather relevant existing spatial data and create a Story Map and Infographic that conveys a clear message to the general public.

Unit content

1. Understanding Spatial and Non-Spatial Data in GIS

2. Mastering Coordinate Systems: Projections and Datums

3. Ensuring Data Quality: Detecting and Repairing Data Issues

4. Integrating Spreadsheets with Your GIS Workflow

5. Creating Professional Maps with Confidence

6. Presenting Your Findings: Story Maps and Infographics

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term3	Term3
Online	Term3	Term3

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

incorporate spatial and non-spatial data into a GIS

explain coordinate systems and quality control of spatial and non-spatial data

use a GIS to solve a simple spatial problem and produce a professional map

communicate spatial data concepts to a wide audience using Story Maps and Infographics.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	20%
Portfolio	30%
Portfolio	50%

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	20%
Portfolio	30%
Portfolio	50%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

No prescribed texts.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

This unit requires the use of ArcGIS Pro, which is only compatible with Windows 10 or newer and does not run on Mac computers. Students can install the software for free under an SCU licence.

Mac users can access ArcGIS Pro via a remote desktop connection to a university computer (which lets you control a university computer from home). This requires a stable broadband internet connection.

Note: Chromebooks and Linux devices are not compatible with ArcGIS Pro or remote desktop connections.

Students who cannot run ArcGIS Pro on their own device can access on-campus computers, where the software is installed.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

Find out more for domestic fees