Program Overview

ENV303 - GIS for Environmental Management and Planning

Overview

This unit provides an introduction to geographic information systems and remote sensing, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. Lectures focus on theory and applications, while lab sessions with hands-on, computer-based exercises allow for exploration of topics using specialist software.

Offerings

• MURDOCH-S2-FACE2FACE-2025-ONGOING
  • Teaching period code: Semester 2-S2
  • Location: Murdoch
  • Attendance mode: Face to Face
  • Start year: 2025
  • End year: Ongoing
  • Self enrol: Yes
• MURDOCH-S2-ONLINEFLEX-2025-ONGOING
  • Teaching period code: Semester 2-S2
  • Location: Murdoch
  • Attendance mode: Online Flexible
  • Start year: 2025
  • End year: Ongoing
  • Self enrol: Yes

Enrolment Rules

Completion of 24 points of 100 level units or enrolment in an appropriate graduate qualification (G1053, C1118, M1330, G1062). Students from other courses may apply to the unit coordinator for permission to enrol.

Learning Outcomes

1. Contrast the major representations of spatial data and the general types of geographic and database operations implemented in a GIS.
2. Explain why optical remote sensing is an effective source of spatial environmental data and how to assess the status and trends of environmental attributes using simple image processing techniques.
3. Develop practical skills in the preparation, analysis, and communication of spatial data by completing exercises in GIS and remote sensing.
4. Apply practical skills and knowledge of the underlying theory to design and undertake modest projects using GIS and remote sensing and to troubleshoot difficulties.

Unit Content

This unit covers the introduction to geographic information systems and remote sensing, including both theory and practical aspects. Lecture topics include models used to represent geographical phenomena on computers, map projections and data formats, geographic operations and analyses, introduction to remote sensing including digital image processing and fundamentals of change detection. Particular attention is given to applications relevant for environmental, conservation, and marine sciences.

Additional Information

• Off-campus students must have access to suitable computing facilities, preferably Windows-based computers, though Apple computers with Virtual PC and Windows OS are also suitable.
• The curriculum aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
  • Goal 1: No poverty
  • Goal 2: Zero hunger
  • Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 14: Life below water
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Unit Details

• Unit version: 13
• Version start date: 01/01/2026
• Owning college: College of Environmental and Life Sciences
• Owning school: Environmental and Conservation Sciences
• Credit points: 3