Program Overview

Building Spatial Applications with Big Data (CASA0025)

Key Information

• Faculty: UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment
• Teaching department: Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: N/A

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Geospatial analysts are frequently faced with tasks that exceed the computational and storage capabilities of their local machines. The purpose of this module is to enable students to analyse large quantities of spatial data and communicate insights by building spatially enabled interactive web-based applications. The module is structured so that students are first introduced to databases and the SQL language, with a particular focus on issues related to the design of databases for storing and analysing spatial data. Students will then be taught how to interact with and visualise such data using web-based visualisation tools. The final portion of the module will cover the use of cloud computing platforms to perform advanced spatial analysis. The module therefore spans a full, cloud-based geospatial workflow: from importing and analysing geospatial data, to building and presenting interactive data visualisations. Students will gain proficiency in working with and interrogating large spatial data sets while working towards an interactive group project that will develop their portfolio.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 2
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 30% Coursework
  • 70% Group activity (2 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 77
• Module leader: Dr Ollie Ballinger

Last Updated

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