Assessments

Assignment I

  • Title: Programmed Map and Cartographic Critique
  • Type: Coursework
  • Due date: 5th November 2026 (week 6)
  • 40% of the final mark
  • Chance to be reassessed
  • Electronic submission only

This assignment has two parts. Part A (10% of final grade) is a short, individual, non-coding critique of the classification scheme of one published map: three maps will be on Canvas and you choose one, writing no more than 300 words. Part B (30% of final grade) is the programmed map: you will map population density by region in China, then the population change between 2015 and 2025, and write up to 500 words about the choices you made.

Both parts, plus a mandatory AI-use declaration, are submitted together in one .html file. If the declaration is missing from your rendered html you can lose up to 10 marks.

  • Full Assignment details here

You will submit an .html file obtained by rendering your .qmd in R or .ipynb Jupyter Notebook in Python.

  • If you are doing the assignment in R: You can start from this .qmd file to render the html. Other file formats will not be accepted.

  • If you are doing the assignment in Python: start from this .ipynb. Before exporting, restart the kernel and run all cells (Kernel –> Restart Kernel and Run All Cells), then File –> Save and Export Notebook As... –> HTML. Other file formats will not be accepted.

Submit

One html file: a rendered .qmd with R code, or a rendered Jupyter notebook with Python code, containing your AI-use declaration, Part A and Part B.

Evaluation

Part A is marked on how accurately you identify the classification scheme, how well you link its strengths and weaknesses to the data and the map’s message, and how convincingly you justify an alternative.

Part B is marked on three pillars:

  1. Data processing and code quality: your proficiency in handling and manipulating data, and writing code a reader can follow — a logical sequence of steps, sensible names, comments explaining why, no dead or duplicated code, and no clutter in the rendered document.

  2. Map assemblage: your ability to master technologies that allow you to create a compelling map.

  3. Design and narrative: your success in designing an appealing map with a compelling narrative.

Assignment II

  • Title: Computational Essay
  • Type: Coursework
  • Due date: 10th December 2026 (week 11)
  • 60% of the final mark
  • Chance to be reassessed
  • Electronic submission only

A 4,000 word computational essay on a geographic data set which they have explored and analysed using the skills and techniques developed during the course. Students will complete an essay which combines both code, data visualisation and prose supported by references in order to demonstrate sound understanding of all learning outcomes.

Important information about data access through the US Census API:

There are three kinds of elements in a computational essay:

  1. Ordinary text (in English)

  2. Computer input (R or Python)

  3. Computer output

These three elements all work together to express what’s being communicated.

Marking Criteria

This course follows the standard marking criteria (the general ones and those relating to GIS assignments in particular) set by the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure to check the student handbook and familiarise with them. In addition to these generic criteria, the following specific criteria will be used in cases where computer code is part of the work being assessed:

  • 0-15: the code does not run and there is no documentation to follow it.
  • 16-39: the code does not run, or runs but it does not produce the expected outcome. There is some documentation explaining its logic.
  • 40-49: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is some documentation explaining its logic.
  • 50-59: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is extensive documentation explaining its logic.
  • 60-69: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is extensive documentation, properly formatted, explaining its logic.
  • 70-79: all as above, plus the code design includes clear evidence of skills presented in advanced sections of the course (e.g. custom methods, list comprehensions, etc.).
  • 80-100: all as above, plus the code contains novel contributions that extend/improve the functionality the student was provided with (e.g. algorithm optimizations, novel methods to perform the task, etc.).

Generative Artificial Intelligence

WarningProhibited use

You are reminded that inappropriate use of Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot) in the preparation of this assignment is prohibited. Submitting code, analysis, or narrative that you cannot explain or justify yourself will be treated as an Academic Integrity concern — regardless of whether AI was involved.

ImportantDeclaration required

You must submit a short declaration with your assignment stating:

  • Which AI tools you used
  • For which parts of the work (narrative text and/or code)
  • How you used them (e.g. debugging support, syntax lookup, translation, proof-reading) — versus what you produced yourself

Undisclosed use discovered later will be treated as an Academic Integrity penalty, not merely a missing declaration.

NoteNarrative sections

Narrative sections should be prepared substantially in your own words.

  • Ordinary spelling/grammar checks in word-processing packages do not need declaring.
  • AI proof-reading that materially changes wording or sentence structure does need declaring — and extensive use of it may still incur a penalty even when declared.
TipCode

AI coding assistants may be used for support, but every part of your submitted code must be something you can explain and justify in your own words.

Declaration form

Please complete this declaration and submit it alongside your assignment. Tick all boxes that apply.

1. Which AI tool(s) did you use?

2. Which parts of the work did you use it for?

3. How did you use it?

4. Confirmation

Student ID: _______________________ Date: _______________________