2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3191 Geocomputation and Location Analysis
20 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Prof Alexis Comber
Email: a.comber@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Module replaces
GIS, Geocomputation and Geoplanning (GEOG3150) and Advanced Retail Planning (GEOG3010)This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Understanding and modelling retail; urban and regional systems; spatial modelling, the process of gathering data; spatial analysis, mapping and developing models. This module provides an introduction to key tools used in data analytics research and consultancy, location planning and facility siting.Objectives
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:- an understanding of key geographic data sources and knowledge of how to extract and manipulate and map them within a desktop GIS package;
- an understanding of what models, how to apply them to spatial and non-spatial data and the basic stages of development;
- through case studies and associated practicals, an understanding of spatial processes and the value of modelling for understanding the present and predicting the future;
- skills in designing, constructing and running models in a basic geocomputation framework and linking the results to a GIS for advanced analysis.
- a critical understanding of the use of spatial models in retail location analysis and GIS store location planning
- knowledge of how to assess the impact of the latest retail trends for site location
- skills in building the data sets to enable a suite of store location models to be run and evaluated
- a critical understanding of the role of optimisation in retail planning.
Learning outcomes
- Broad understanding of modelling different processes in urban and regional systems
- Understanding of the use of spatial models in retail location analysis and site location
- In depth knowledge of approaches to modelling retail, urban and regional systems (through advanced GIS and introduction of geocomputation and optimisation methods);
- Through the modelling process; (i) appreciate how approaches can join up and (ii) the idea of complex systems;
- An understanding of the virtues and limitations of describing geographical systems using modelling, geocomputation and GIS techniques.
Skills outcomes
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A9 The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions
C3 Employ a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial and environmental information (e.g. GIS, water chemistry, etc)
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
Syllabus
Indicative syllabus content
- Spatial interpolation
- Making models
- Data: Portals, APIs, Crowdsourced data
- Geo-demographics and classification
- Transparency and reproducibility in Research
- Retail location analysis and trends in retail geography
- Estimating retail demand
- Building location models for retail site acquisition
- E-commerce and store location research
- Big data and store location research
- Optimisation in business location planning
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 16 | 2.00 | 32.00 |
| Practical | 15 | 2.00 | 30.00 |
| Private study hours | 138.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 62.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Students will be provided with a reading list and will be expected to demonstrate evidence of reading in project work and examination.They will also be expected to critique selected articles.
Students will also be expected to have knowledge/experience of various online information systems and web sites
The project to be handed in at the end of Semester 1 and 2 will require independent study and use of MapInfo, R/Rstudio and othersoftware in private study time.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The Semester 1 practicals will be a means of monitoring progress halfway through the module. The practicals also allow us to monitor progress and provide instant feedback to students in relation to the development of their projects.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | 1,500 word project | 30.00 |
| Report | 1,500 word project | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Unseen exam | 2 hr 00 mins | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD