NIGK14038U Spatial Analysis

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics
MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics with a Minor Subject

Content

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the concepts, terminology and methods related to analysis of 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, GIS, spatial analysis, spatial statistics, local indicators of spatial autocorrelation, pattern description and analysis, spatially weighted regressions, ordinary least squares regression.

Skills:

  • Describe and discern spatial patterns
  • Presentation of own results and results published by others
  • Produce easily understandable maps
  • Describe advantages and disadvantages of different spatial metrics
  • Critical understanding 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 of advanced spatial analysis on simple maps

BSc in Geography and Geoinformatics or equivalent.
The form of teaching is exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Project work
  • 35
  • 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. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Re-exam

Resubmission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcomes.