Module Introduction

Welcome

Welcome to Geocomputation, a course that introduces you to both the principles of spatial analysis and the use of programming for data analysis.

Over the next ten weeks, you will learn about the theory, methods and tools of spatial analysis whilst implementing small research projects, first using QGIS, and then using the R programming language within the RStudio software environment. You will learn how to find, manage and clean spatial, demographic and socio-economic data sets, and then analyse them using core spatial and statistical analysis techniques.

Moodle

Moodle is the central point of your learning experience for GEOG0030 and it is where all important information will be communicated such as key module and assessment information. This workbook contains links to all reading material as well as the content of all computer practicals.

Module overview

The topics covered over the next ten weeks are:

Week	Section	Topic
1	Foundational Concepts	Geocomputation: An Introduction
2	Foundational Concepts	GIScience and GIS software
3	Foundational Concepts	Cartography and Visualisation
4	Foundational Concepts	Programming for Data Analysis
5	Foundational Concepts	Programming for Spatial Analysis
	Reading week	Reading week
6	Core Spatial Analysis	Analysing Spatial Patterns I: Geometric Operations and Spatial Queries
7	Core Spatial Analysis	Analysing Spatial Patterns II: Spatial Autocorrelation
8	Core Spatial Analysis	Analysing Spatial Patterns III: Point Pattern Analysis
9	Advanced Spatial Analysis	Rasters, Zonal Statistics and Interpolation
10	Advanced Spatial Analysis	Transport Network Analysis

Troubleshooting

Spatial analysis can yield fascinating insights into geographical relationships. However, at times it can be difficult to work with - particularly when we combine this with learning how to program at the same time. You will get lots of error messages and have software crash, you will end up with bugs in your code that are difficult to find, and you may spend a whole day trying to track down a single data set. But the rewards of learning how to do all of this will become apparent. If you need specific assistance with this course please:

Attend the bi-weekly Geocomputation help sessions to ask questions directly to the PGTA.
Post in the respective r-help channels within the Geocomputation Team.
Ask a question at the end of a lecture or during the computer practical.
Check the Moodle assessment tab for queries relating to the assessment (more detailed information will be provided at the end or reading week).
Attend the Department’s Coding Therapy sessions that are run on a weekly basis.

If after pursuing all these avenues you still need help, you can book into our office hours. These meetings are to discuss a geographical concept in relation to the material/assessment or for any personal matters relevant to the completion of the module.

Acknowledgements

This workbook is adapted and updated from GEOG0030: Geocomputation 2021-2021, as created and compiled by Dr Jo Wilkin.

The data sets used in this workbook contain:

Crime data obtained from data.police.uk (Open Government Licence)