Micro-credential - Advanced Spatial Analysis using GIS

The School of Engineering is a research-led, multidisciplinary school committed to delivering world-class education, research and innovation.  Our innovative teaching, research excellence and state of the art facilities are the perfect backdrop for the new Micro-credential modules we are now offering.

Why should I take this Micro-credential
If you work with spatial data and maps and would like to have the ability to analyse this data and create your own maps and new spatial information, then this micro-credential is for you.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used in many professions and industries, from engineering and environmental science to history and tourism to local authorities and provision of utilities, wherever spatial information is important, where maps may be used as a key means of communication of information, and where analysis of the spatial data provides valuable new information.

The production of good informative maps and the analysis of spatial data are valuable but scarce skill sets. With developments in GPS, mobile devices, and software, organisations are now collecting more and more spatial data and need spatial specialists to manage, analyse and report this data. Local authorities, civil engineering consultancies, environmental agencies, utility companies, among others, are increasing their use of GIS to manage their valuable spatial data.

This micro-credential will enable the student to get a practical introduction to the QGIS open-source software and will use the software to address an issue in their field. Examples of projects completed by students recently include the identification of the best location for a new waste-to-energy plant, a study of the relationship between tree cover and household income, the siting of a new mass-vaccination centre, a study of the effect of green-ways on the local population. In each of these, publicly available spatial data was used to investigate a topical issue.

What will I learn – learning outcomes
Participants will learn the extended fundamentals of GIS theory and techniques and will then apply these in a research project which is in a field related to their profession and uses GIS.

In this work, they will investigate and solve Spatial Analysis problems by applying the latest interdisciplinary approaches. They will critically select and implement a technical solution that best addresses a spatial analysis problem. They will identify and use appropriate mathematical methods, numerical techniques and GIS tools for application to new and ill-defined spatial analysis problems.

In addition, they will show that they can communicate effectively in technical and scientific writing, and present scientific/technical ideas concisely to a technical audience that may not be expert in the specific domain of the presentation.

What will I do – outlines activities
In the first six weeks, six one-hour lectures provide an overview of GIS. In six two-hour tutorial sessions, students follow guided tutorials and must submit an exercise within seven days. Feedback is provided on these, but the marks do not count towards the final grade.

The seventh week is Reading Week.

In the eighth week, a one-hour in-class GIS theory test is conducted and a two-hour in-class practical test is held.
In weeks nine to twelve, students work on their projects in the two-hour practical sessions. They will be expected to share their weekly progress on their project at the practicals. In this way, the students will learn from their own work, the work of other students, and assistance and advice from the staff.

How is this MC delivered – mode of delivery
There will be blended delivery – students may attend in person or online. This flexibility will enable students to choose the format which best suits their style of working (on their own or with others), and their circumstances (their geographical location and their working arrangements).

Participants who wish to attend online must have access to a computer (Windows or Mac) which is able to run the latest long-term release of QGIS (this is version 3.16 at the time of writing). They must also be able to join online practical sessions on Trinity’s VLE, Blackboard Collaborate, with sound and video facilities.

How is this MC assessed – assessment specifics

• Project 90%: Students are required to complete a report based upon the work conducted for their individual project. The report should be approximately 3,000-4,000 words. Students will be provided with detailed guidance on writing the report.
• In-class theory test 5%
• In-class practical test 5%

ECTS, NFQ level, and learning hours: 5 ECTS credits, NFQ level 9, 125 student learning hours

Engineering – Courses – Trinity College Dublin (tcd.ie)