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Learning activities
Learning outcomes
Contrast the major representations of spatial data and the general types of geographic and database operations implemented in a GIS.
Explain why optical remote sensing is an effective source of spatial environmental data and how to assess the status and trends of environmental attributes using simple image processing techniques.
Develop practical skills in the preparation, analysis, and communication of spatial data by completing exercises in GIS and remote sensing.
Apply practical skills and knowledge of the underlying theory to design and undertake modest projects using GIS and remote sensing and to troubleshoot difficulties.
Assessments
Additional information
This unit provides introduction to geographic information systems and remote sensing. Both theory and practical aspects are covered in the unit. Lectures focus predominantly on theory and applications while lab sessions with hands-on, computer-based exercises allow for exploration of the range of topics using a specialist software package. Lecture topics include models used to represent geographical phenomena on computers, map projections and data formats, geographic operations and analyses, introduction to remote sensing including digital image processing and fundamentals of change detection. Particular attention is given to applications relevant for environmental, conservation and marine sciences such as multicriteria evaluation for spatial planning, landscape ecology, change detection, monitoring invasive species and mapping marine habitats.
Off-campus students must have access to suitable computing facilities, preferably Windows-based computer though Apple computers with Virtual PC and Windows OS are also suitable.