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ESC-10047 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 29 June 2024

ESC-10047 - Geoscience Data Interpretation, Analysis and Visualisation
Coordinator: Stuart Egan Room: WSF29 Tel: +44 1782 7 33174
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module, which is available for students taking the Natural Sciences degree route, provides an introduction to a variety of techniques for the acquisition, interpretation, analysis and visualisation of a variety of geological and geophysical data, including Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing. The module is divided into the following sections which are covered by a combination of lectures and
practical classes:
a) Geographical/Geological Information Systems (GIS) covering an introduction to GIS, data types (e.g. raster and vector, coordinate systems), electronic maps (e.g. Geology Digimap), digital elevation models and image data.
b) The Global Positioning System (GPS) and its use for geological fieldwork.
c) Near-surface geophysical data interpretation, analysis & visualisation.
d) Remote Sensing covering an introduction to remote sensing, remote sensing data types, aerial photo interpretation/photogeological mapping, interpretation of satellite images, and the use of Google Earth for geological investigation.
The further development of numeracy and computing skills are also embedded within this module.

Aims
To provide an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and programming techniques for the interpretation, analysis and visualisation of a variety of geoscience data.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-10047/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Make effective use of Geographical Information System (GIS) software as a tool for the integration of a variety of geoscience data and the production of geological maps: 1
Use a variety of digital techniques and specialist software applications for the acquisition, interpretation and visualization of geological field data: 1
Apply remote sensing techniques to make geological interpretations of aerial photographs and satellite imagery: 2
Use the Python programming language for geoscience applications: 2

Study hours

33 hours scheduled synchronous class activity
50 hours for research and completion of GIS assignment
50 hours for research and completion of image manipulation assignments
17 hours flexible independent study (e.g. background reading)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Computer Task weighted 50%
Use Geographical Information System software to integrate geological data and produce geological maps.
Development of a GIS to integrate and visualise a variety of geological data for a selected area, along with a 750-1000 word report on the geology of the study area. Use GIS techniques to produce a geological map of a selected area (approximately 1500-words equivalent).

2: Computer Task weighted 50%
Computing tasks in digital image manipulation.
Completion of a series of computer tasks to produce digital images using image processing and python software (~2000-words equivalent).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 29 June 2024