REMOTE SENSING AND GIS - 2025/6
Module code: ENG1097
Module Overview
This module introduces students to the use of remote sensing data and geographical information systems to support the analysis of the natural and built environment. Remote sensing techniques allow the derivation of a wide range of spatial data while geographical information systems provide the tools for analysing spatial data. This module introduces the theory and practice of geographical information systems and remote sensing, providing practical training in the use of geographical information systems.
This module is taught on an intensive basis, with classes running over a three / four week period. This intensive teaching format facilitates learning by allowing the student to really focus on the module content. It also assists with cohort development as students work closely together on collaborative tasks that develop their understanding of sustainable development challenges.
GIS skills and techniques learnt in this module may be used in subsequent modules such as the Sustainable housing and communities: Multi-national project, and the Dissertation by extending the range of data students can use to support their analyses in these modules.
Module provider
Sustainability, Civil & Env Engineering
Module Leader
ANDRIES Ana (Sust & CEE)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 94
Lecture Hours: 10
Laboratory Hours: 32
Practical/Performance Hours: 4
Captured Content: 10
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
- The role of GIS in environmental sciences
- Measurement and representation of geographical information
- Vector and raster data analysis
- Cartography and the visual presentation of spatial data
- Remote sensing principals
- Earth Observation satellite data applications
- Remote sensing visualisation, manipulation and processing
- Interpretation and analysis of remote sensing data
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Assignment 1: GIS analysis | 35 |
| Coursework | Assignment 2: Remote sensing analysis | 45 |
| Practical based assessment | Portfolio 1: GIS exercises conducted during laboratory sessions | 10 |
| Practical based assessment | Portfolio 2: Remote sensing exercises conducted during laboratory sessions | 10 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy for this course is focused on enhancing students' practical skills in GIS and remote sensing analysis.
Students are required to compile a portfolio that includes two analysis reports. This portfolio will contain evidence of their work, including screenshots from tasks completed during computer lab sessions. These reports enable students to reflect on and enhance their learning experiences.
For summative assessment, students are required to submit two reports based on their GIS and remote sensing analyses.
Regarding formative assessment and feedback: During the lab sessions, students will receive verbal feedback from the instructor as they work on various GIS exercises. Some of these exercises will be included in their GIS and remote sensing portfolio. Students also have the chance to submit one GIS analysis report for formative feedback before they complete the two reports required for the summative assessment.
The grading breakdown is as follows:
Assignment 1: GIS analysis report
Assignment 2: Remote sensing analysis report
Portfolio 1: GIS exercises conducted during class sessions
Portfolio 2: Remote sensing exercises conducted during class sessions
Module aims
- To introduce the concept of spatial analysis and the use of geographical information systems for spatial analysis
- To give students practical experience using geographical information systems for spatial analysis
- To introduce students to remote sensing data sources for spatial analysis
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Understand the fundamental principles of spatial data analysis | CK |
| 002 | Be able to identify, acquire and evaluate spatial data from a range of sources | CKPT |
| 003 | Be able to use a geographical information system for basic spatial data analysis | CKPT |
| 004 | Be able to prepare high quality maps and visualisations to effectively present spatial data | CKPT |
| 005 | Be able to interpret and describe the results of spatial data analysis | CKPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
-Provide an introduction to the theory and practice of geographical information systems and remote sensing data.
-Give students hands-on experience using geographical information systems and analysing spatial data.
-Provide students with the opportunity to apply spatial data analysis to sustainable development related global and local challenges.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures and class discussions
- Captured content
- Guided computer laboratory sessions
- Field trip
Teaching and learning in this module will be via captured content lectures, live lectures and class discussions, together with directed computer laboratory sessions where the instructor will help students work through GIS exercises both individually and in pairs. The GIS exercises will each relate to global or local sustainable development challenges.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG1097
Other information
The Centre for Environment and Sustainability is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience, in line with the Surrey Curriculum Framework. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:
Sustainability: Remote sensing and GIS are used for sustainable land management. Spatial data and GIS facilitate the tracking of environmental change by permitting the simultaneous analysis of multiple large datasets. GIS analysis can support effective decision making for the management of ecosystems, natural resources and communities. This module teaches students how to use GIS through the completion of a series of spatial data analysis tasks.
Digital capabilities: Knowing where to find and knowing how to process spatial digital data extends a student’s range of digital capabilities. In this module students access a range of spatial data and learn how to manipulate and analyse this data using GIS using a widely used GIS software package.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment and Sustainability BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.