Undergraduate | LTU-GEG1MAV-2023
Mapping, Analysing and Visualising Data
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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.
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QS Ranking 2023: 20
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023: 16
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following degrees
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
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