Subject description for 2024/25
Spatial Analysis
GEO2006
Subject description for 2024/25

Spatial Analysis

GEO2006
The course provides knowledge and skills to investigate social issues and solve issues within the fields of social science and the humanities using GIS. This course builds on the Basic GIS course. It provides training in GIS analysis and presentation in maps, graphs and tables that are specially adapted for the social sciences and humanities. We can offer the course in English for international students.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing geographic data about society and our physical surroundings. Therefore, GIS has also become a key tool in the social sciences, the natural sciences, the humanities, and central and local government administration. Through the geographical context, different types of information about the society can be integrated and also compared with data on natural and environmental conditions.

Students learn to use quantitative and qualitative data from different sources, create and present data themselves, and conduct analyses where integration between different topics is the focus. The purpose is to demonstrate geographical similarities and differences in society and be able to identify correlation and interaction where it exists. Students will have the opportunity to plan and carry out a GIS project where the spatial analysis of socially relevant topics is included.

We can offer the course in English for international students.

Basic courses in geographic information systems (GIS), such as GEO1009 Basic GIS, GEO220 Geographic Information Management, or equivalent. Students must be able to read academic literature written in English.

After completing the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

  • has knowledge of areas of application for GIS in the social sciences and humanities
  • has knowledge of relevant data sources such as public statistics and procedures for collecting data
  • has knowledge of sources of error and ethical aspects of analysis and data management
  • has knowledge of geographical information standards.

Skills:

  • can process geographic data and adapt data for use in GIS
  • can edit attribute data, perform queries, and link attribute data
  • can plan and implement analysis programmes and conduct spatial analysis involving overlay, buffers, distance measurements, viewshed in 3D, interpolation, correlation, and regression
  • can create tools and geoprocessing models using GIS software
  • can make presentations on core concepts within the field of spatial analysis and describe applications.

General competence:

  • has knowledge of competence in advanced concepts of GIS and analytical opportunities with GIS
  • has insight into theories behind statistical operations, classification schemes, spatial analysis, and cartography in GIS
  • can plan and carry out analysis programmes in accordance with ethics and personal privacy
  • is familiar with critical GIS and critical cartography.
In addition to the semester fee and course literature, students are expected to provide their own laptop computer on which GIS can be installed and used. Students must cover board and lodging expenses during the sessions, while potential bus expenses in relation to excursions are paid by Nord University.
Compulsory for undergraduate students in Geography and Spatial Planning. Alternatively, students on the programme can participate in student exchange this semester. Elective for other students.
Lectures and exercises held during the gatherings. Online lessons, webinars and exercises are also held. Skills and tools from the exercises linked to the textbook are used to build a semester project using GIS software demonstrating competence in spatial analysis. Participation is compulsory at the physical meetings.
The study program is evaluated annually by the students through course evaluations and study program evaluation.

Composite assessment. Students will receive a letter grade.

  • Obligatory participation accounts for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
    • Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
  • Assignments account for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved/not approved.
    • Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
  • The home exam will take place over 7 days and account for 100% of the grade. Students will receive a letter grade.
Basic competence in GIS equivalent with GEO1009, Geographic information systems is recommended.
Subject language
Norwegian
Credits
10
Study location
Levanger
Teaching semesters
Spring 2025
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Course coordinator
Employee photo: Ivar Svare Holand
Associate Professor

Ivar Svare Holand

ivar.s.holand@nord.no