| CODE | DGA2030 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Spatial Information Basics | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Digital Arts | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces students to the concepts, structures and uses of spatial information in contemporary digital environments. It posits a processes that covers the data-cycle as it relates to the locational and spatial construct. It covers the process from design, capture, storage, cleaning, analysis, outputs, dissemination through to immersion. Students will explore how spatial data is captured, structured, represented and interpreted across different disciplines. In turn students will understand how the location component is vital to working with spatial information, evolving from data to information to knowledge and action. This serves as the pivot to understand the difference between geographical and spatial information and representation. The unit covers fundamental principles such as spatial reference systems, scale, resolution, accuracy, uncertainty and data quality, alongside an introduction to spatial data types including 2D vector, raster, point clouds and basic 3D representations. Through lectures and guided practical sessions, students will develop spatial awareness and analytical thinking, enabling them to critically engage with maps, models and spatial visualisations. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial information as a decision-support and communication tool, forming the groundwork for spatial conceptualisation leading to advanced spatial intelligence, immersive environments and VR/AR/MR/XR applications. Study-Unit Aims: - Introduce foundational principles of spatial information and spatial thinking - Deliver the theoretical approaches & principles of the spatial data-cycle - Deliver an understanding of the locational, geographical and spatial constructs and representation - Deliver an understanding of the data capture technologies and methods employed. - Demonstrate the related analytical technologies and process - Develop students’ ability to interpret and evaluate spatial data critically - Prepare students for advanced study-units in spatial analysis, visualisation and immersion - Promote interdisciplinary understanding of spatial information in applied contexts Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the fundamental concepts underpinning spatial information and spatial data structures - Distinguish between locational, geographical and spatial constructs - Explain the spatial data-cycle constructs - Distinguish between different spatial data types and representations - Distinguish between the different physical, software, analytical and virtual technologies - Discuss issues of scale, accuracy, resolution and uncertainty in spatial datasets - Describe how spatial information supports analysis, decision-making and communication 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Interpret and critically assess analogue and digital maps and spatial visualisations - Apply basic spatial reasoning to real-world datasets - Apply basic understanding of 2D vector, raster, point clouds and basic 3D representations - Communicate spatial information clearly using appropriate terminology - Demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving using spatial concepts - Apply basic data cycle processes in real-case scenarios, through the design, capture, data cleaning, analysis and outputs - Demonstrate basic reasoning on how spatial information is applied through VR/AR/MR/XR Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: View reading list |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Practical | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Fabrizio Cali Frankie Farrugia Saviour Formosa (Co-ord.) Thi Ngoc Tram Nguyen Elaine Sciberras |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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