Higher Diploma inGeographical InformationSystems (GIS)

Department of GeographyCentre for Adult Continuing Education

National University of Ireland, Cork

Course Lecturers

Core Course Lectures:Darius Bartlett Dept. of Geography, UCCHelen Bradley Dept. of Geography, UCC

A range of guest lecturers from the university and externalorganisations will teach specialist sections of the course.This includes sections on GPS, remote sensing, databasedesign, programming and web GIS.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application. Applicants should have a primary degree in a related subject (Geography, Geology,Planning, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Surveying or Marketing). Candidates with 2 yearsrelevant professional experience may also be consideredas deemed appropriate by the GIS Higher DiplomaCommittee and the ACE Committee.

Fees and closing date

The closing date for application is the 18th July 2014

The tuition fees for the 2014/2015 course are €2,750

(Course will run subject to adequate numbers)

Course StructureThe programme is taken on a part-time basis over a10 month period (10 x 3 day seminars), usually thelast Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each month.The course starts in September.

Further Information

Helen BradleyGeography DepartmentUniversity College Cork

Cork

Tel: +353 (0)21 4902920Fax: +353 (0)21 4271980Email: h.bradley@ucc.ie

For more information about applications and theregistration process please contact:

Further information and application forms can befound on the Geography website:

http://geography.ucc.ie/

The programme combines lectures with practicals,demonstrations and project work. Discussion, sharedexperiences and practical assignments will alsocontribute towards the overall understanding of theissues relating to GIS.

Each diploma session consists of three full days, withlectures in the morning and practicals in the afternoons.

Aims and Objectives

GIS is a rapidly growing field and is widely used by decision makers in many areas to collect, manage,and analyse spatial data. The programme is designedto give students a good theoretical understanding ofGIS and practical hands-on training in GIS software.

Knowing where things are andwhy is essential to rational

decision making.(Jack Dangermond, ESRI)

GIS is fundamental technology for the effectivemanagement, manipulation, analysis and displayof spatial data. Since spatial data are estimatedto account for 80% of all local government andutility information, it is hardly surprising thatthere is a rapid growth in this area and acorresponding need for skilled personnel. GISis not restricted to local authority use, however,but is used on a daily basis all around the worldfor a wide variety of tasks.

GIS is used to monitor potential flooding situations,oil spills and forest fires, for target marketing ofproducts, routing emergency responses, to find thebest location of shopping centres andtelecommunications masts, to optimise themanagement and planning of utility infrastructuressuch as water and gas pipelines.

Programme Requirements

Students take modules to the value of 60 credits asfollows:

Module Module Title CreditsGG5800 Introduction to GIS 10 creditsGG5801 Visualisation of Spatial Data 10 creditsGG5802 Spatial Analysis and GIS 10 creditsGG5803 GIS Software and Systems 10 creditsGG5804 GIS Research Project 20 credits

Module DescriptionsIntroduction to GIS

This module provides an introduction to GIS and its applications. Emphasis is placed on key sources ofspatial data and how they can be structured andorganised. The benefits of GIS implementation andits social and organisational context will beinvestigated.

Visualisation of Spatial Data

Module Descriptions

This module introduces spatial analytical techniquesand looks at the appropriate use of spatial data forgeographical analysis and problem solving. The majortopics include; 3D analysis, spatial interpolation, queries and measurement, multi-map operations andnetwork analysis.

Spatial Analysis in GIS

This module introduces some of the popular GIS software systems currently being used, with particularemphasis on ArcGIS and MapInfo. The module willinclude practical experience using the leadingcommercial GIS software and investigation of the current and future trends in GIS. Web GIS andsoftware customisation will also be covered.

GIS Research Project

This module introduces students to the principlesof cartography and visualisation. Emphasis is placedon the production of effective maps based on established principles of cartographic design. The module will also focus on recent developments in geographic visualisation and the areas ofinternet mapping and interactive visualisation.

For this module students will undertake independentresearch. They will investigate the issues and problems associated with the implementation of GIS. As part of the module students will be expected toreview relevant literature, implement appropriateresearch methodologies and perform data collection and analysis.

GIS Software