GEOGRAPHICAL AND LAND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography has the best equipped geographical information systems laboratory in northern Australia and a cartographic centre which contains an extensive archive of land and natural resource information for tropical Australia.
Links with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the CSIRO Davis Laboratories, Cooperative Research Centres and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority ensure that students have access to a wide range of research topics and supporting spatial data sets.
The Graduate Diploma of Science in Geographical and Land Information Systems is a twelve month course offered by the School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography. It aims to give participants a sound theoretical and practical education in the principles of geographic information analysis and the techniques of information system development using ecological and environmental and land and socioeconomic themes.
Students must complete six coursework subjects and a minor project.
Students are encouraged to undertake projects with a strong practical emphasis which address significant issues in information systems development; primarily the development of natural resource or socio-economic databases which can be applied to spatial analysis. Most projects involve direct liaison with government agencies.
The degree of Master of Applied Science in Geographical Information Systems, by coursework is designed to give students a sound theoretical knowledge of spatial data, its analysis and management, combined with technical skills and project experience of direct relevance to industry. The student will be required to undertake a significant project with an applied research and development flavour, normally in collaboration or consultation with an industry group.
The degree emphasises the design, organisation and analysis of spatial databases, and the integration of spatial data to address commercial, social, resource management, scientific and other needs.
The degree of Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems, by research aims to promote and develop research in the theory and practice of spatial analysis by reviewing:
- the temporal and spatial patterning of geographic phenomena;
- the integration of spatial data and the modelling of spatial relationships;
- the estimation of spatial properties; and
- the simulation of environmental and social processes.
The degree is of general relevance to the social, environmental and earth sciences and is complementary to the Master of Science and Master of Applied Science program in Tropical Environment Management.
Prospective students for each program should consult with the relevant Course Coordinator to organise their enrolment.