Program Overview

Urban Lab II: Spatial Analysis (BPLN0077)

Key Information

The module is part of the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, specifically the Bartlett School of Planning. It carries a credit value of 15. However, it is restricted to undergraduate students of the Bartlett School of Planning.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Content

This module focuses on developing students' skills in spatial analysis, mapping, and basic statistics, applying these skills to the study of cities. It aims to improve understanding of city structure, processes, and their relation to urban planning. Students learn core skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), including producing maps of cities, understanding common spatial data sources, and core mapping types. The module also covers key quantitative research concepts such as scale and sample size in relation to analysis and visualization. Cartographic design and visual communication skills are improved using the software QGIS, and these skills are applied to solve urban planning challenges.

Teaching Delivery

The module is taught through 10 weekly lectures covering core concepts, followed by practicals that apply these concepts to urban planning examples.

Indicative Topics

• Mapping and Spatial Analysis in Urban Planning
• Representing Geography
• Spatial Analysis Concepts
• Cartography and Visualization
• Project Overview
• Statistics Introduction
• Correlation and Regression
• Spatial Analysis and the Future of Planning

Module Aims/Objectives

The aim is to develop students' skills in spatial analysis, visualization, and basic statistics, applying these to the study and analysis of cities. By the end of the module, students should have:

• Core skills in Geographical Information System (GIS) software, including producing maps of cities and understanding core mapping types.
• Understanding of spatial data, appreciating strengths and weaknesses, and understanding key concepts like scale and sample size.
• Critical awareness of mapping and statistics, understanding how data can be misused and how to follow best practices.
• Improved design skills in graphic design and visual communication.
• The ability to link mapping and data analysis to urban planning and policy making.

Recommended Readings

• Geographic information science & systems, by Paul Longley, 2015
• Making maps: a visual guide to map design for GIS, by John Krygier; Denis Wood, 2016
• Urban Geography, by Michael Pacione
• Beginning statistics: an introduction for social scientists, by Liam Foster; Ian Diamond; Julie Jefferies, 2015
• How to Lie with Maps, Third Edition, by Mark Monmonier
• Designing better maps: a guide for GIS users, by Cynthia A. Brewer, 2016
• Statistical methods for geography: a student's guide, by Peter Rogerson, 2020

Recommended Software/Platforms

The GIS part of the module is taught using QGIS, which is open-source and free. The statistics part is taught using SPSS, available on UCL lab computers.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs. While students may choose to work on their own laptops, it is not required as the module can be completed using UCL lab computers.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

The module is intended to be taught in Term 1, at the undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 5).

Teaching and Assessment

Mode of Study

The module is taught in person.

Methods of Assessment

100% Coursework (2 assessments)

Mark Scheme

Numeric Marks

Other Information

Number of Students on Module in Previous Year

71 students were on the module in the previous year.

Module Leader

Dr. Duncan Smith

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.