GY476 Half Unit
Applied Geographical Information Systems
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Ana Varela Varela
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Geographic Data Science. This course is available on the MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation, MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Policy and Regulation) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research), MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies, MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: Priority: MSc Geographic Data Science, then other (GY)_ students. Priority is typically for students enrolled in Geography and Environment programmes, or joint degree programmes, however course specific availability is indicated via the 'Availability section' on the LSE course guide webpages. Guidance on how to apply to individual controlled access courses can also be found on LSE for You in the Graduate Course Selection system.
Please note: The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If a course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department's discretion and a waiting list may be created. It is advised to have an alternative course in mind as a back-up in case you are unable to secure your first-choice course selection.
Deadline for application: Further guidance and information on course selection for Geography and Environment courses (GY4xx) will be available on the Geography and Environment Course Selection Moodle page which will go live from Monday 8 September and will be updated with course availability information daily throughout the course selection period. This page includes information on the timeline for course selection decisions in the Geography and Environment Department as well as the individual course application processes and requirements
A list of all taught master's courses in this Department are listed on LSE's course guide webpages.
For queries contact: geog.gds@lse.ac.uk
Subject to approval by course organiser.
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Course content
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) offer the social scientist an array of tools for generating, manipulating and visualising spatial data. This course covers practical GIS techniques for the social scientist, demonstrating how these tools can be combined with advanced analysis to enhance social science research. It emphasises practical skills and the use of relevant software. Specifically, the course will introduce the use of GIS tools in R and in QGIS. Students engage with a variety of real-world geospatial datasets and are encouraged to reflect on how data sources, formats, and analytical choices shape research outcomes and their relevance to spatial questions in policy and practice. Examples of literature with applications in economic geography, environmental economics, planning and other spatial social sciences will be provided for self-study. Readings support a deeper understanding of how spatial data are produced and used, their potential insights and limitations.
Some of the topics covered in the course include introducing GIS and spatial data; processing, editing, and visualising various types of spatial data; spatial modelling; network analysis; working with online mapping resources; and applying machine learning techniques to spatial data.
While the course is fast-paced, no prior experience with R or GIS is required. Optional resources are also available in the early weeks to help students build confidence with R.
Teaching
20 hours of computer workshops in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
MSc in Geographic Data Science students will have additional sessions totalling 4 hours to cover more advanced material.
Formative assessment
Formative work includes tasks designed to enhance understanding of the course material through practical application.
Indicative reading
- Singleton, A., & Arribas-Bel, D.,(2019). Geographic Data Science, Geographical Analysis. 53:1, 61-75
- Lovelace, R., Nowosad, J., & Muenchow, J. (2024). Geocomputation with R. CRC Press.
- Donaldson, D., & Storeygard, A. (2016). The View from Above: Applications of Satellite Data in Economics. The Journal of Economic Perspectives: A Journal of the American Economic Association, 30(4), 171–198.
- Taylor, C. A., & Druckenmiller, H. (2022). Wetlands, Flooding, and the Clean Water Act. The American Economic Review, 112(4), 1334–1363.
- Davis, D. R., Dingel, J. I., Monras, J., & Morales, E. (2019). How Segregated Is Urban Consumption? The Journal of Political Economy, 127(4), 1684–1738.
Assessment
Project (100%, 4000 words)
Summative assessment will comprise a practical GIS analysis task. There will be two versions of the assignment, one for Geographic Data Science students and one for students from other programmes.
Key facts
Department: Geography and Environment
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: GIS in social science, QGIS and R, Spatial analysis , Data visualisation
Total students 2024/25: 36
Average class size 2024/25: 36
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills