NIGK14038U Spatial Analysis

Volume 2014/2015
Education
MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics
Content

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the concepts, terminology and methods related to spatial patterns. The course will discuss and analyze how patterns can be identified, measured and tested statistically through a series of lectures, hands-on exercises and student presentations. At the end of the course students will be able to identify and describe geographical distributions, to measure the patterns formed by point- and areal data and to statistically analyze data for spatial clustering, hot spots and spatial variations in explanatory variables for observed phenomena.

The course is composed of a mix of lectures, hands-on exercises and student presentations of studies using different indicators of spatial patterns. The main focus is on methodological issues and students’ involvement in classroom discussions is pivotal. An assignment comparing the application of two or more methods to a data set forms the basis for an oral examination.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
Geoinformatics, spatial analysis, spatial statistics, local indicators of spatial autocorrelation, pattern description and analysis, spatially weighted regressions.


Skills:

  • Evaluate how spatial patterns can be described
  • Describe advantages and disadvantages of different spatial metrics
  • Choose and apply the best suited spatial metric on the problem to be solved
  • Critical presentations of studies using spatial statistics

Competences:
Understand the use of spatial metrics in science and society. Apply appropriate spatial statistics to spatial data. Critically evaluate the use of spatial metrics and statistics. Presentation techniques.

BSc in Geography and Geoinformatics or equivalent.
The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 171
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcomes.