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Case study:
Using OS Meridian data as a spatial framework in the construction of a GIS of the built environment

Context/pedagogy

Subject area: City and Regional Planning.

LTSN Subject Centre: Built Environment, Cardiff University, http://cebe.cf.ac.uk/index.html [opens in a new window].

Applicability to other subject areas: It would be useful in both Geography and Urban Economics.

Ease of transferability of ideas to other subject areas: It develops ideas of using Digimap data as a spatial digital framework upon which a GIS of the built environment can be developed. It also explores ideas of data integration and visualisation more generally, flagging up issues of error, generalisation etc.

Level: Intermediate/advanced level.

Participants: 25 students and 1 tutor within a computer laboratory.

Independent study/group work: It is good for project work as it enables students to divide up tasks between them and then work towards a common goal of constructing a GIS. However, it could also be undertaken as personal study if done on a smaller scale. The materials easily allow the project to be scaled up or scaled down.

Study mode: Full-time students.

Pedagogical approach: Resource based learning (using the WWW as a source of data) and problem based learning (how to bring the separate sources of data together within the common Digimap framework in the GIS).

Teaching methods:
Lectures to outline the problem, linking it to wider issues in the lecture course (constructing a GIS; issues of data collection and management; data integration and error in GIS; the use of GIS as a spatial decision support system).
Workshops to allow students to undertake the project but allow one-to-one help when needed.

Typical learning time: 3-4 weeks at 2 hours each week depending upon how well students work in group (team work) and how well they grasp the concepts.

Prior knowledge required: have a knowledge of using the WWW to download data (very basic level) and be able to use a proprietary GIS e.g. MapInfo, ArcView etc.

Assessment: Monitor how well they work as a team and allocate tasks. Communication within the group is crucial if they are to avoid replicating parts of the project, and if they are to put the data into the correct format to integrate it eventually with Digimap data within the GIS.

The students have to demonstrate that the GIS is up and running.

The students each have to write a short report (1000 words) on the construction of the GIS, evaluating Digimap as a data source and comment on some more general themes concerned with data issues in relation to the GIS.

The students, as a group, have to create an A0 sized poster that could be used in a public consultation exercise concerned with a hypothetical planning application within the area that the GIS represents e.g. an environmental impact assessment.

Evaluation: The poster will be graded with the help of other teaching staff following criteria set out in the coursework outline that was given to the students. The students would have already had previous experience of creating posters for similar planning purposes and so are aware of what it should look like. Criteria include the design and look of the poster as well as the content.

The reports will be marked by myself and will be based upon how they have assimulated the lecture material on GIS with the practical experience.

Prior experience: The data are currently available free on the WWW.

Last updated: June 24, 2003