| Unit name | An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0013 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Mr. Thomas |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
All core Term 1 units for the MSc in Environmental Policy and Management |
| Co-requisites |
All core Term 2 units for the MSc in Environmental Policy and Management |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit provides an advanced introduction to the science and practices behind geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for a number of different environmental science themes/applications. These include (1) LAND COVER AND LAND USE change (including land degradation) with a strong focus on GIS; (2) NATURAL HAZARDS with a strong focus on water related hazards and management; (3) ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS with a strong focus on (i) environmental pollution; (ii) coastal zone and oceanographic applications; and (iii) water resources
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
Each week, there will be a one-hour lecture on principles of GIS and remote sensing followed either by a two-hour lecture during the week giving examples from recent literature of such applications including interactive discussion, or a two-hour practical involving GIS and applied to a particular problem solving exercise. The unit will conclude with an assessed written, individually -based project about a given problem set in environmental management for which the individual needs to come up with a proposed solution using GIS techniques and making use of a variety of different data sources, including remotely sensed data.
(1) One 1500 word essay completed towards the middle of the unit, describing and analysing the recent approaches and techniques in GIS and remote sensing for a given topic in Environmental Policy and Management of the student’s choice. This should engage strongly with recent scientific literature (40% in total) (2) One individually -practical-based project around a given problem set in environmental policy and management which the individual needs to explore using the GIS techniques and remote sensing capabilities learnt over the whole Unit. The write up of the project should not exceed 8 pages (equivalent to 3000 words). This will take place at the end of the unit (60% in total)
Albrecht, J, 2007, Key Concepts & Techniques in GIS, Sage, London Campbell, J.B., 2011, Introduction to remote sensing, 5th ed. New York, Guildford Press.Heywood, I., Cornelius, S., and Carver, S., 2006. An introduction to geographical information systems. Prentice Hall. third ed., NJ Jensen,J.R 2007, Remote Sensing of the Environment, Prentice Hall, second ed., NJ. Longley, P., Goodchild, M., Maguire, D., and Rhind, D., 2011, Geographical information systems and science, John Wiley&Sons, third ed. NJ. F.F. Sabins, 1997, Remote Sensing Principles and Interpretation, W.H. Freeman & company, third ed., NY
