DL171 - Certificate Spatial Data
Visualisation
This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.
What is Spatial Data Visualisation?
Global trends are driving skills needs in spatial techniques explained, to a large extent, by the availability of geocoded data e.g. mobile phones and the availability of user-friendly software applications that can process spatial data.
This course will show you how to understand and apply the core principles of spatial visualisation, by giving you the tools to design, analyse and communicate spatial information in order to provide insights, clarity and meaning.
You will learn to:
- Map geocoded data using proprietary and open-source software tools, e.g. mapping census data, house prices, road traffic accidents, etc.
- Understand the approaches, methods and examples of spatial analysis using data from a range of public and private organisations.
- Uncover insights by understanding how to harness, visualise and analyse spatial data which can lead to the identification of valuable insights and patterns.
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify and critically appraise the history of spatial visualisation, the work of key practitioners and the emerging role of geospatial analysis in data visualisation.
- Create static and interactive map-based visualisations using proprietary and open source software tools.
- Develop advanced spatial visualisation that include buffers, multiple layers and complex data joins for a range of defined and customised geographies.
- Apply spatial analysis to assist with decision making using contemporary data sets, e.g. housing, transport, tourism, etc.
Students should have access to a computer with a standard specification.
The application Tableau will be provided to students. No prior experience with Tableau or R will be assumed.
What will I do / study?
Topics covered:
- Contemporary themes and emerging technology associated with spatial visualisation
- Geometry of spatial data
- Introduction to spatial data formats
- Spatial data operations
- Proprietary software tools
- Introduction to open-source spatial libraries
- Creation of dynamic and interactive dashboards
The software used in this course will be Tableau along with spatial libraries from the open-source environment R.
How will I be assessed?
You will be required to complete a Spatial Visualisation project by collecting, filtering and manipulating a dataset that contains spatial data. You will apply visualisation techniques to produce an interactive dashboard that allows spatial patterns and structures to be identified. A written report will be produced that summarises the findings of the spatial analysis.
There are no written examinations in this course.
Dates + Times
Classes take place on Saturdays (10am – 4pm), on-campus in IADT:
- 14th February 2026
- 21st February
- 7th March
- 21st March
Fees + Scholarships
Fees for this course in 2025/2026 are €1,100.
CFA Scholarship
A CFA Scholarship encourages the participation and success of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering a free place in one of our CFA courses and programmes.
Find out if you are eligible to apply HERE
Fill in the CFA@IADT Scholarship application form HERE