| MGINT500 |
Geographic Information Science |
Geographic Information Science research resulted in the development of Geographic Information System (GIS) and is important for understanding biophysical and socio-economic systems. This is a foundational core course covering: Introduction to Geographic Information Science, nature and properties of Geographical data, Geographic Information Science versus Geographic Information System, Conceptual models of geographical phenomena, Conceptual models of real world geographical phenomena, Coordinate Systems and Projections, Global Satellite Navigation Systems theory and Applications, Geodatabase Management Systems (DBMS), Spatial data analysis and GIS project design and implementation. |
| MGINT501 |
Remote Sensing and Earth Observing Systems |
The course focuses on Principles of remote sensing, Electromagnetic Radiation interaction with Earth Surface Materials, Image acquisition process and image structure, Image Pre-Processing and Processing techniques, Supervised Image Classification Techniques, Unsupervised Image Classification Techniques including machine learning algorithms, Multispectral transformations of image data, and Applications of remote sensing in diverse fields. |
| MGINT502 |
Research Methods for Geospatial Intelligence |
Methods for conducting scientific research are central the understanding and prediction of geospatial phenomena. The Scientific Method and its application in Geospatial Intelligence. Concepts and techniques to fuse evidence in the analysis of multiple competing hypotheses. Intelligence collection and intelligence cycle, Sources and methods associated with the six primary intelligence collection disciplines: Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) fusion, Human Intelligence (HUMINT) data collection, Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): collection of information from photographs and satellite imagery, Open source intelligence (OSINT). Geographic frames and conceptualization of space-time relationships |
| MGINT503 |
Unmanned Aerial Systems |
The course covers the state of the art regarding the use of unmanned aerial systems/ vehicles to provide geospatial data at cm-level resolution and accuracy. The course provides an overview of the recent developments on the sensing, navigation, orientation and general data processing of unmanned aerial systems. The course is relevant to areas such as artificial intelligence, asset monitoring i.e. oil pipes, emergency response and vegetation and environmental analysis. Concepts covered include: Elements of Unmanned Aerial Systems, Aviation Regulatory System, UAS Operation, UAS Data Collection and Analysis, UAS Automation and Autonomy, Detect, Sense and Avoid Systems, Sensors and Payloads, The future of Unmanned Systems. |
| MGINT505 |
Cyber Geodatabase Design and Analysis Project |
Spatial databases are important decision support tools and a good understanding of their implementation is important for effective decision making. The course covers the following: Relational Database model, User needs analysis for spatial database implementation, Functional Needs Analysis for spatial database implementation, and Spatial database design and implementation. Concepts covered include: Cyber Geodatabase design and implementation, Cyber Geodatabase analytics and Cyber Geodatabase defence. |
| MGINT506 |
Global Satellite Navigation Systems |
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with concepts such as Principles of GNSS, satellites, their orbits and signal dissemination, Coordinate systems used with GNSS, Code and phase GNSS measurements, observation equations, Model for geocentric coordinate determination, Systematic effects and their reduction, Methods of processing GPS data, RTK and DGPS and Post processing and real time applications. |
| MGINT508 |
Geospatial Modelling and Analysis |
The course covers concepts such as introduction to Geospatial data, Geographic data and processes in geospatial intelligence, Geospatial Analysis and modeling. Students are also expected to understand Structured Geospatial Analytic Method, Proximity analysis with cost surfaces and least cost paths, Multivariate spatial interpolation and 3D surface visualization including terrain Modeling and Analysis, Landscape process modeling with GIS and Modeling of Geospatial Processes. |
| MGINT507 |
Space Weather and Applications |
Concepts talk in this module include Space weather models, Space weather collection, analysis and forecasting tools and Effects of space weather on communication and weapon systems. |
| MGINT509 |
Geospatial Intelligence for Disaster Management |
Disasters related to climate and weather such as cyclones, and floods cause more economic damage and loss of life than other types of disaster worldwide. This course covers: Introduction to Natural and Technological Disasters, Use of GIS and Remote sensing for disaster and vulnerability assessment, Application of unmanned aerial vehicles for near-real time monitoring of disasters, GIS and remote sensing-based modelling and monitoring of floods, landslides, cyclones and droughts and development of an automated early-warning system for disasters. |
| MGINT510 |
Geospatial Intelligence Tradecraft |
The course includes concepts such as Techniques for protection of geospatial sources and methods, Operational Geospatial Information and Intelligence, Strategies for capturing and analysing geospatial data, Theory and protocols for interpreting satellite images, digital geospatial datasets, geo-sensor systems, social media feeds and Intelligence report generation. |
| MGINT512 |
Geodesy and Coordinate Geometry |
Introduction to Geodesy and Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometric computations, Spherical and spheroidal earth models, Geodetic reference systems and coordinate conversion, Horizontal and vertical datums and land surveying. Theory of GPS survey methods and data processing. |
| MGINT504 |
Geospatial Algorithms and Programming |
Geographic Information Science is mainly implemented within a computer based Geographic Information System (GIS) and it is important to understand the principles of programming GIS algorithms. The course covers: Introduction to Programming and script writing, Development and implementation of GIS application Geodatabase interfaces, Google earth engine and cloud computing techniques, Python programming language, Geometric algorithms, GIS overlay, Indexing (k-D trees, quadtrees, R-trees). |
| MGINT513 |
Big Data Analysis for Geospatial Intelligence |
Geospatial big data sources, Big geospatial data platforms, Computation analytics for big geospatial datasets, Management of big geospatial data (graphical processing units, parallel processing and databases like SQL). |
| MGINT511 |
Mobile GIS |
Advances in GIS and mobile technology coupled with advances in Worldwide Web technology have resulted in the development of web and mobile GIS with varied applications in environmental management, crime management and transport management among other application areas. The course covers the following: Web GIS architecture, Mobile GIS architecture, Development and Applications of Mobile and Web GIS. Mobile Technology and Mobile GIS Data, Programming and Mobile Fundamentals, Object-oriented design, Android Applications and Java, Contemporary Mobile GIS, Open source mobile GIS, Mobile web apps development using HTML5, JavaScript, CSS3 and jQuery Mobile. |
| MGINT570 |
Dissertation and Research Seminar |
Students are expected to do a dissertation on an approved topic in line with the strategic plan of the University of Zimbabwe (2019-2025). The Dissertation shall be at least 12,000 words and at most 20,000 words in length. In the case of a Dissertation with predominantly calculated solutions, pages that are less than 10,000 words may be allowed. The research seminar provides a platform for students to communicate the findings from their dissertation to the wider audience and to get feedback. |
