Course Title: Introduction to Spatial Information Systems for disaster Resilience and Humanitarian Relief

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Spatial Information Systems for disaster Resilience and Humanitarian Relief

Credit Points: 12.00

Flexible Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ARCH1494

City Campus

Postgraduate

320H Architecture & Urban Design

Face-to-Face

 PGRDFx2019 (ZZZZ)

Course Coordinator: Dr Leila Irajifar

Course Coordinator Phone: on line

Course Coordinator Email: leila.irajifar@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: on line

Course Coordinator Availability: TBC


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

This course introduces you to spatial information systems and mapping techniques in disaster risk management.  Spatial analysis and mapping are increasingly employed in the risk and development fields. In this course you will review the fundamental concepts and definitions for information systems and spatial data, consider how it is collected and how it can be used pre and post disaster. 

You will examine how this information is translated and integrated into the planning, design and decision making process. In addition, you will explore the use of emerging technologies in data collection, analysis, and presentation of spatial information.

Various case studies from real-world applications of spatial information systems in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, will assist your learning.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe and utilize key components of spatial information systems and their applications in urban resilience and humanitarian relief
  • Visualize hazard and risk information
  • Utilize spatial risk information to analyse hazards, risks and vulnerabilities
  • Identify and prioritize potential threat levels and develop evacuations plans.
  • Use a range of open source and cloud-based GIS software


  


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively involved in a variety of learning activities, such as:

  • A series of online/e-learning activities where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and key concepts and procedures will be illustrated with examples and demonstrations
  • Practical activities with spatial planning software, introducing you to application of GIS in disaster risk assessment.
  • Webinars with the lecturer and invited guests to discuss the practice-based case studies and review the course materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems, Canvas. A set of study guides for the Modules and Activities in the course will be available within Canvas. And Collaborate Ultra, an inbuilt conferencing platform within Canvas will be used for weekly webinars.

Additionally a list of recommended learning resources will be provided including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning. The University Library has extensive resources for students. The library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

The library provides guides on academic referencing while subject specialist help is available via a Liaison Librarian.

In addition, during the webinars, data collection and analysis tutorials and interviews with experts and organisations will comprise key learning activities and resources.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment can be done individually or in teams.

Assessment will include:

Assessment Task 1: Portfolio of Weekly Exercises: 2,500 words in total or equivalent

Each week you will be required to complete a weekly exercise of approximately 200 words.  Exercises may include practical tasks using various software and on line platforms including ARCGIS online, QGIS, responses to reading or other class materials and simulation exercises.  You will be submit and receive feedback on your portfolio of weekly exercises mid-way and at the end of semester.

Weighting 50%

This task relates to the following learning outcomes:

  • Describe and utilize key components of spatial information systems and their applications in urban resilience and humanitarian relief
  • Visualize hazard and risk information
  • Utilize spatial risk information to analyse hazards, risks and vulnerabilities

 

Assessment task 2: Project exercise, 2,500 words

For your project exercise you will apply risk assessment methods to a scenario or case study, visualise the risk information and discuss findings.

Weighting 50%

This task relates to the following learning outcomes:

  • Describe and utilize key components of spatial information systems and their applications in urban resilience and humanitarian relief
  • Visualize hazard and risk information
  • Utilize spatial risk information to analyse hazards, risks and vulnerabilities
  • Identify and prioritize potential threat levels and develop evacuations plans.
  • Use a range of open source and cloud-based GIS software

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equity Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment