Undergraduate | LTU-GEG1MAV-2023
Mapping, Analysing and Visualising Data
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
Study method
100% online
Assessments
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR needed
No prior study
Duration
12 weeks
Start dates
- 31 July 2023
Price from
$1,892
Upfront cost
$0
About this subject
What you'll learn
1. An understanding of the relationship between maps, colonial projects and their legacies.
2. An understanding of basic principles of data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis.
3. An understanding of the big data, its possibilities, and its limitations.
4. Demonstrate competence in the use of computerised planning information.
- • History of maps. Early maps. Explorers/colonial mapping.
- • The world in 2D - projections. Mercator. How to read a map. Elements of a map (scale, legend, north star etc.).
- • Cartography. Symbols, lines, points, polygons, labels.
- • Visualization of data. Thematic maps. Choropleths, contour lines, isopleths.
- • GIS basics. Layers - vector vs raster. Common GIS apps/tools.
- • Coordinate systems. Time zones. Mappable data - geo-referencing. GPS.
- • Remote sensing. Maps as data source. Satellites. Collection of data from sensors. Changes in geography over time.
- • GIS data types and file formats. Analysing data in QGIS.
Throughout history, maps have been fundamental in shaping our view of the world and articulating our place in it, at local and regional scales. Maps guide us in everyday tasks but can also be a means to get global overviews on current topics. Today, as in the past, geo-spatial information is a valuable commodity, harnessed by researchers, governments, business and the public. But maps are not purely scientific objects; they are inherently ideological and subjective, communicating the beliefs, power structures and aspirations of particular times, people and places. This subject introduces concepts and perceptions of geographical space and relationships in different cultures, past and present.
- Report (1,200-word equivalent) This report aims to promote critical thinking with regard to collecting, analysing and reporting data (30%)
- One final essay (1,200-word equivalent)This essay focuses on the theoretical elements of mapping and visualising data. (30%)
- Workshop activities (1,600-word equivalent) These activities aim to build students practical skills. (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe.
Explore La Trobe courses.
QS Ranking 2023: 20
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023: 16
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Pursue a dream
Gain Uni credit
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following degrees
Undergraduate
LAT-TEC-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-BUS-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-ART-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-PYS-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-CYS-DEGSingle subject FAQs
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions .
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.