| Unit name | Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0046 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Timmerman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Participants should have an understanding of statistics, including descriptive and inferential statistics, and linear regression. Experience in command-line coding will be beneficial but is not essential. |
| Co-requisites |
One of: Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social and Policy Research (POLIM0021); Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Design (GEOGM0015); Research Design Methods & Skills in the Social Sciences (GEOGM0035 or the equivalent unit at Bath or Exeter University) |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces students to principles of Geographic Data Science in R, looking at the theory and practice of how geographical information is analysed and modelled in R, a popular open source statistical and computing environment that offers both GIS and spatial statistical functionality suitable for research and other applications.
The unit focuses on visualisation – especially geographic visualisation (maps) – methods of GIS and their implementation in R, and on spatial analysis: geometric operation, measures of spatial dependency, spatial regression and geographically weighted statistics.
The aims of the unit are:
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:
1) Have experience of using R to map and model geographic data
2) Understand why the presence of geography can disrupt the assumptions of classic statistical analysis
3) Be able to employ methods of spatial analysis to detect, to allow for and to model patterns of geographical clustering
4) Know the differences between global and local approaches
5) To understand the centrality of a spatial weights matrix to most spatial analysis
6) Have an appreciation of R as a software environment for geographic data science
The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including
An individual data analysis project and report of approximately 3000 words, written using R Markdown (100%) [ILOs 1-6]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0046).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
