Course overview

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has grown rapidly to become a major component of information technology as a whole. It began by drawing together well-developed methods of database management and the fledgling technology of digital mapping, but has progressed rapidly to develop distinctive methods of data analysis, algorithms and software tools. GIS technology is now very widely deployed in many organisations ranging from utility companies, telecommunications networks, civil engineering, retailing, local and national government, international charities and NGOs, the National Health Service, environmental organisations, banking and finance, and insurance. GIS has become an essential part of the world's information infrastructure.

The wide range of career opportunities across public and private sectors and in university-based research, coupled with the rapid rate of technological change, mean that staff of major organisations and industrial firms are finding it essential to update their skills through advanced study. We therefore aim to meet this demand by tailoring our distinctive strengths to the needs of both regional and national markets.

Our course covers both the theory and practice of GIS, complemented by modules in areas where our Department of Geography has particular expertise. These include database methods, spatial analysis and photogrammetry. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical GIS skills using a wide range of industry-standard software tools and a structured approach to problem solving through project work.

In order to accommodate those that may wish to work and study at the same time, the course is available on both a full-time and part-time basis.

Course content

The MSc GIS can be taken in full-time or part-time mode over a maximum of 18 months full-time or up to three years part-time. The taught component of the full-time course begins in late September and ends in the following May, with unit coursework assessments occurring at various points during this period.

The course itself consists of a combination of taught units and a dissertation project, which is undertaken after the taught units have been completed. The dissertation project may be completed by the student in a period of between four and ten months and is rated at 60 credit points.

The structure of the degree is modular, with four individual units each representing the equivalent of 240 hours of study and attracting 30 credit points per unit. The contact hours for any specific unit will depend upon the topic and may include lectures, seminars, tutorials and supervised practical work. The balance will consist of directed readings, set practicals and project/essay work. Typically, units will be spread over 24 teaching weeks, but some units may be offered in a more intensive form, for example the equivalent amount of study within a block.

The standard requirement for the award of a Master’s degree is 180 credit points, requiring that you successfully complete the four taught units and the dissertation project to achieve the MSc in GIS.

Diploma in GIS

Those who do not wish to proceed to the dissertation project stage for the MSc may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in GIS on successful completion of the 120-credit taught component of the course.

Units

• Principles of Geographic Information Science (30 credits): beginning with an overview of the development of GIS, the first part of this unit examines data sources and data capture, as well as hardware and software tools. The second part deals with vector-based data structures and data management, followed by vector GIS operations, such as overlay and buffering. You will undertake a project to create a GIS of your own, which may be presented as a seminar session. Practical exercises are undertaken using MapInfo. You will then go on to develop an understanding of raster-based approaches to GIS, cartographic modelling and related areas of image processing which are often applied in remote sensing. Topics include raster data models and data compression techniques, raster GIS and cartographic modelling, imaging systems and image processing, geometric correction techniques and GIS/remote sensing integration in the raster domain. Practical work uses MapInfo, ArcGIS - ArcMap and ERDAS Imagine.
• GIS and Database Management Systems (30 credits): this unit’s major focus is on the use of industry-standard methods and tools to develop competence in the successive stages of database design, development and implementation. An introduction to data analysis techniques is followed by an examination of alternative types of database system and the rules of relational database design. There is extensive treatment of the SQL query language in standard databases and for attribute query within a GIS. Advanced topics introduced in the unit include database programming and computer-aided database design. The unit also considers the Object-Relational databases and spatial data types and explores the use of spatial queries using the ORACLE relational database management system. Procedural database programming and web database connectivity are also examined. Practical work for this unit uses the ORACLE relational database management system, running in full client-server mode.
• Applied Geographic Information Systems (30 credits): this unit aims to develop a general, inferential, model-based approach to the analysis of quantitative data within a geographical framework. You will examine a range of underlying concepts including model specification, bias, linearity, robustness and spatial autocorrelation. You will subsequently develop these in the context of a unified framework for analysis. Practical work is based on ArcGIS - ArcMap.
• Research Methods and Design (30 credits): introducing the basic principles of research design and methodology, this unit develops a critical approach to the selection and evaluation of appropriate methods for different types of research problem.
• Modelling and Analysis and the Web (30 credits): this unit considers the use of GIS technology for creating terrain models and explores the basics of photogrammetry, as well as analytical and digital techniques for photogrammetric data capture. You will also look at Orthophotography, LiDAR and RADAR systems. ArcGIS is used for spatial analysis such as buffering and overlay techniques. You will also explore and exemplify data transfer between GIS software systems and technologies for internet-based GIS.
• The Dissertation (60 credits): this provides an opportunity for you to pursue a particular topic to a greater depth than is possible within the taught syllabus. It can take a variety of forms, for example GIS-based analysis of original data sources and digital datasets, case studies of GIS adoption in public or private sector organisations, the development of new software tools/applications or the design of GIS algorithms. The final submission takes the form of an extended written report or dissertation of a maximum of 15,000 words.

Part-time study

The taught component of the part-time degree is normally studied over two years. In the first year, you will study the units:

• Principles of Geographic Information Science (30 credits)
• GIS and Database Management Systems (30 credits)

In the second year, you will study:

• Applied Geographic Information Systems (30 credits)
• Modelling and Analysis and The Web (30 credits)

Dissertation study work continues thereafter and may take between four and 16 months, depending upon your external commitments and the specifics of your particular project.

The practicalities of part-time study are that lectures are arranged for Wednesday in the first year of study and Tuesday for the second year. We try to avoid starting earlier than 10am to allow students sufficient travel time. However, this cannot be guaranteed. The day is usually finished by 6pm.

Teaching and assessment

At the beginning of the course you will receive a short induction to introduce you to the Department of Geography, University Library and computing facilities. If required and following discussions with the course or unit coordinators, students who lack background in specific areas of the mapping sciences will have the opportunity to attend additional lectures in these areas, on a non-assessed basis.

Most units are assessed solely through coursework, although GIS and Database Management Systems is assessed on the basis of both coursework and a written exam. In most units coursework takes the form of practical exercises, allowing you to become familiar with industry-standard software systems. In several of the units the coursework is augmented by project-based activity, where you will further develop your skills gained from the practical exercises by applying your newfound expertise in areas that particularly interest you.

Normally, an overall mark of 40 per cent is required from the assessment of a taught unit in order for you to pass. You will be required to pass all four of the taught units that comprise the Postgraduate Diploma in GIS in order to be eligible to proceed to the dissertation study, which will complete your full Master’s degree.

Career prospects

The degree has been running for over 15 years and has been enjoyed by a significant number of students who are now employed all over the world, working on a whole variety of GIS-related projects in a very wide range of different organisations and industries. Past graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:

• The Ordnance Survey
• The Environment Agency
• local authorities
• health authorities
• conservation organisations
• banks and insurance companies
• British and foreign defence establishments
• major retailers
• consultancies
• civil engineering companies
• foreign governments
• natural resource management

Facilities and features

The Department has excellent support facilities and equipment that are all available for you to use. There is:

• a specialist GIS/photogrammetry lab, which is equipped with a number of specifically designated GIS desktop PCs
• there is a high resolution, large format A0 map scanner and a 5 micron Vexcel Ultrascan photogrammetric scanner, as well as a high resolution specialist book scanner.

Primary data capture instruments include:

• a direct measurement scanning total station
• two real-time kinematic differential (RTK) GPS
• a very high resolution non-contact 20 micron 3D digitizing laser scanner
• two close range calibrated cameras

Also available are examples of the latest digital photogrammetric workstations (DPW), including:

• BAE Systems SOCET SET
• the Leica Photogrammetry Suite (LPS)

Within this first-class software provision a wide range of GIS and image processing tools and a comprehensive ORACLE database licence is available, backed by full-time, highly qualified and experienced technical staff, who support the GIS laboratory.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Geographical Information Systems are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Geography
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550
Email: sci-pgrad@port.ac.uk