Geographical Information Systems
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 147 pages
- 25 units
This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to students of Environmental Science and Resource Management. It covers definitions, features, and applications of GIS, including data capture, storage, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn about spatial and attribute databases, data models, and GIS implementation issues. The course also explores GIS applications in cartography, socio-economics, environmental management, and land management, preparing students for practical applications of GIS technology.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic computer literacy
- Fundamental knowledge of geography
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ESM407, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ESM407 · UNIT 1 OVERVIEW
This course is basically aimed at introducing you to the science, art and technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Some of the basic concepts, components, functions and application of GIS will be introduced to you in this unit.
What you should be able to do
- Define geographic information systems and their essential features.
- Explain the nature and characteristics of geographical data.
- Identify the various components of a typical GIS.
- Outline the major data manipulation and analysis operations in GIS.
- Discuss issues related to GIS implementation.
- Apply GIS to solve real-world problems in various domains.
What it prepares you for
- GIS Analyst
- Cartographer
- Urban Planner
- Environmental Manager
- Data Scientist
- Environmental Management
- Urban Planning
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Natural Resources
- ArcGIS
- QGIS
- ERDAS IMAGINE
- GRASS GIS
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 4: Database Structure
Unit 2: Spatial Data Model
Spatial data models require understanding of geometric representations and data structures.
- Module 5: Application and Implementation of GIS
Unit 3: Environmental and Natural Resources Management
Requires understanding of complex algorithms and statistical methods.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to GIS
Unit 1: Overview of GIS · 2 hours
Read the introduction to GIS.. Understand the roles of science, art, and technology in GIS.. Reflect on how GIS is revolutionizing data collection, storage, and analysis..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to GIS
Unit 2: Definitions of GIS · 2 hours
Study the various definitions of GIS.. Identify the essential features of GIS.. Explore the spatial questions GIS can answer..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to GIS
Unit 3: History of GIS Development · 2 hours
Trace the historical evolution of GIS.. Highlight the factors responsible for the growth of GIS.. Discuss the impact of technology on GIS development..
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to GIS
Unit 4: Understanding Geographical Data · 2 hours
Define geographical data.. Explain the characteristics of geographical data.. Identify the types and classes of geographical data..
- Week 5Module 1: Introduction to GIS
Unit 5: GIS versus Allied Technologies · 2 hours
Highlight acronyms, synonyms, and terms related to GIS.. Identify information technologies related to GIS.. Differentiate between GIS and other related technologies like CAD..
- Week 6Module 2: Components of GIS
Unit 1: GIS Hardware · 2 hours
Identify the hardware components of a typical GIS.. Discuss the functions of each hardware device.. Understand the role of computers, input devices, storage devices, and output devices..
- Week 7Module 2: Components of GIS
Unit 2: GIS Software · 2 hours
Explain what GIS software is.. Identify different types/makers of GIS software.. Explore the subsystems or modules within GIS software..
- Week 8Module 2: Components of GIS
Unit 3: Data · 2 hours
Differentiate between spatial and aspatial types of data.. Explain the meaning of metadata.. Analyze attribute data and its importance in GIS..
- Week 9Module 2: Components of GIS
Unit 4: Personnel · 2 hours
Identify the various groups of GIS personnel.. State the functions of GIS personnel.. Understand the roles of engineers, data providers, digitizers, programmers, analysts, and managers..
- Week 10Module 2: Components of GIS
Unit 5: GIS Method/Procedure · 2 hours
Underscore the need for understanding method or procedure as a major component of GIS.. Highlight the need to link GIS procedure with the general business of the company.. Consider the nature of the company's business and spatial data requirements..
- Week 11Module 3: Functions of GIS
Unit 1: Data Input · 2 hours
Discuss the concept of geo-referencing.. Examine the processes of spatial and attribute data input.. Analyze the issues of data checking and editing..
Unit 2: Data Storage · 2 hours
Identify the various electronic data storage devices used in GIS.. Discuss the qualities of good storage devices.. Understand the importance of data storage in GIS operations..
- Week 12Module 3: Functions of GIS
Unit 3: Data Retrieval and Manipulation · 2 hours
Identify some of the major data manipulation and analysis operations carried out in GIS.. Discuss in detail some of the geographical analysis procedures.. Explore slope and aspect analysis, data modeling, topological modeling, and network analysis..
Unit 4: Data Output · 2 hours
Examine the issue of data display in a GIS environment.. Discuss document and printing formatting.. Analyze final data output and its importance in GIS..
- Week 13Module 3: Functions of GIS
Unit 5: Data Updating · 2 hours
Define the concept of data updating.. Discuss the process of spatial data updating.. Explain the process of attribute (non-spatial) data updating..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of GIS and its components from Units 1-2.
- Practice spatial analysis techniques covered in Module 3 using sample datasets.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts.
- Focus on GIS applications in environmental management and urban planning from Module 5.
- Study the differences between raster and vector data models from Module 4.
- Understand the challenges of GIS implementation in Nigeria discussed in Unit 5 of Module 5.
- Review all TMAs and their feedback to identify areas needing more attention.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ESM407 about?
This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to students of Environmental Science and Resource Management. It covers definitions, features, and applications of GIS, including data capture, storage, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn about spatial and attribute databases, data models, and GIS implementation issues. The course also explores GIS applications in cartography, socio-economics, environmental management, and land management, preparing students for practical applications of GIS technology.
How many units does ESM407 have?
ESM407, Geographical Information Systems, has 25 units across 5 modules, over 147 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ESM407?
ESM407 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is ESM407 hard?
ESM407 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ESM407 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 25 units.
How is ESM407 assessed?
ESM407 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ESM407?
Basic computer literacy Fundamental knowledge of geography
What can I do with ESM407?
GIS Analyst, Cartographer, Urban Planner, Environmental Manager and Data Scientist.