GEOG 215Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Science
In this hands-on course, dive into real-world data and explore how GIS revolutionizes our understanding of the planet, people, and place. GIS combines the art of mapping, science of data analysis, and spatial understanding. From creating captivating maps to unravelling hidden patterns, you'll develop essential skills in demand in industry.
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Course details
- Dates
- 6 Jul 2026 to 8 Nov 2026
- Starts
- Trimester 2
- Fees
- NZ$1,460.20 for domestic students
- International fees
- NZ$6,744.00
- Lecture start times
- Wednesday 9.00am
- Friday 12.00pm
- Campus
- Kelburn
- Estimated workload
- Approximately 200 hours or 11.1 hours per week for 18 weeks.
- Points
- 20
Entry restrictions
- Prerequisites
- 60 100-level pts
- Corequisites
- None
- Restrictions
- None
Taught by
School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences—Faculty of Science and Engineering
About this course
Guest speakers from various industries will share their experiences and inspire you with real-world success stories. Whether you're an aspiring urban planner, environmental scientist, earth scientist, biologist, or social researcher, this course will equip you with the foundational skills needed to navigate the vast realm of GIS, setting the stage for advanced studies or professional pursuits in a variety of in demand fields.
From mapping the spread of disease to understanding the quickest bus route home, GIS underpins decisions at a small and large scale. GIS is used to manage resources to help make better decisions about the environment and our place in it.
The introductory course comprises of a series of lectures covering 9 themes over the first 8 weeks of term and a set of in person computer based practicals running in weeks 2 to 12.
This course is optimised for in-person delivery and requires attendance at lectures and laboratory sessions.
Lectures for this course will be delivered in person and live streamed via Zoom for students who need to attend remotely. Recordings of the lectures will only be available for two weeks after the lectures and for a period of at least two weeks in advance of the final assessment.
The use of AI tools are not permitted in this course. Students are also not permitted to submit previously submitted work (i.e. self plagiarism).
Course learning objectives
Students who pass this course should be able to:
Be familiar with what GIS is, articulate the key concepts, some of its topics and challenges, and applications to real world problems.
Recognise and describe the ethical responsibilities, benefits and shortcomings of GIS.
Describe the key stages and distinct challenges in the creation, use and maintenance of a GIS, paying particular attention to the unique structure of spatial information, the issues associated with its storage, the role of metadata and data quality.
Demonstrate an understanding of spatial information by identifying and applying appropriate GIS techniques in ArcGIS to data exploration, communication and the solution of spatial problems.
How this course is taught
The introductory course comprises of a series of lectures covering 9 themes over the first 8 weeks of term and a set of in person computer based practicals running in weeks 2 to 12.
This course is optimised for in-person delivery and requires attendance at lectures and laboratory sessions.
Lectures for this course will be delivered in person and live streamed via Zoom for students who need to attend remotely. Recordings of the lectures will only be available for two weeks after the lectures and for a period of at least two weeks in advance of the final assessment.
Assessment
- Exam Type: IndividualMark: 40%
- Coursework journal (4 submissions) Type: IndividualMark: 60%
Assessment dates and extensions
Once you've signed up to this course, you can use to see due dates for assessments and information about extensions.
Mandatory requirements
Find out what you must do to pass this course.
In addition to achieving an overall pass mark of at least 50% students must:
- Attend 8 of the 11 computer practical sessions.
If you believe that exceptional circumstances may prevent you from meeting the mandatory course requirements, contact the course coordinator for advice as soon as possible.
Lecture times and rooms
What you’ll need to get
ArcGIS Pro will be made available to registered students.
Recommended texts
Recommended texts add to your understanding of the course.
Title: Introduction to Geospatial Technologies
Edition: 4th Edition
Authors: Bradley Shellito
Year: 2018
Publisher: WH Freeman
ISBN: 9781319060459
Pages: 560
Title: Geographic Information Science and Systems
Edition: 4th Edition
Authors: Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind
Year: 2015
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9781118676950
Pages: 500
Selected offering
GEOG 215
6 Jul–8 Nov 2026
Trimester 2 · CRN 6005