Quantum: A Solace?
Using Open Source GIS in the undergraduate Civil
& Environmental Engineering Curriculum
Liz Jones
liz.jones@ucl.ac.uk
CEGE
What is GIS?
Analyse
Query
Present
GIS
Software
Integrate
Display
Store
CEGE
Why do engineers use GIS?
!  Represent spatial problems in 2D and 3D
!  Simulate scenarios
!  What is the optimal location for my project?
!  What is the visual impact of our project?
!  How will my project fit into the existing
infrastructure?
CEGE
Example: Finding a location and assess the routes for a new school
Data:
Terrain Model
Land Use
Existing Schools
Existing Recreation Sites
Road network
Criteria:
Distance away from existing schools
Proximity to recreation sites
Land slope for construction
Land use suitable for construction
Analysis:
Viewshed of Terrain Data
Reclassification of datasets
Weighted Overlay Analysis
Final Site Filters
Cost-Path Analysis with Roads
CEGE
Example: Optimal Site Selection for On-shore Wind Farm
CEGE
GIS in the Curriculum
•  Practicals and lectures in Years 1 and 2: Spatial and 3D
Analysis
•  Year 2 Scenarios: Wind Farm Design, Building
Information Modelling (BIM)
•  Projects in Years 3 and 4
•  Used in the Lampeter fieldtrip
•  Historically, all been ArcMap-based
CEGE
Teaching & Learning Studentship
Objectives:
"  To explore the functionality of QGIS
"  To develop new learning material (e-learning content) in QGIS
"  To replace 1/3 Year 2 GIS classes in ArcMap with QGIS
"  To design a new piece of coursework for the Year 2 module
"  To broaden the student experience of GIS and to introduce
them to open-source products
CEGE
ArcMap vs. QGIS
ArcMap
QGIS
Functionality
Hundreds of tools
within Toolboxes
Plug-ins, greater
degree of flexibility
Cost
Proprietary.
Free to UCL staff/
students
Free to all
Network Reliability
Very poor. Quite tricky
to fully install.
Fine, so far! Easy to
install on standalone
machines (incl. Macs).
Support
Tech support, forums,
blogs etc.
Forums, blogs etc. Very
active community.
Industry standard
Widely-used.
Growing in use.
User Interface
Clunky
Intuitive
Editing Tools
Clunky
Very straightforward
CEGE
Teaching & Learning Studentship
Outcomes
"  New 1 x 3hr computing practical in QGIS, including Spatial
Analysis, with new e-learning course material
"  Redeveloped coursework for the Year 2 module
"  QGIS installed on the UCL network
"  Foundations laid for new Year 3 module
"  Happier students (and happier module leader)!
" ‘In comparison to QGIS, I find ArcMap a bit long-winded. QGIS feels more
accessible and I find easier to perform actions with.’ [Jyoti Sehdev]
" ‘!for the tasks we've done, QGIS is a lot more user-friendly and
less susceptible to technical problems... and when you do get them they're
easier to find solutions to!’ [Michael Coombs]
CEGE
Example: Assessing Land Available for Development at Brownfield Site