GRS-33306 Advanced GIS for Earth and Environment

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

OnderwijstypeContacturen
Lectures16
Literature study
Practical extensively supervised27
Practical intensively supervised16
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. S de Bruin
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. AJAM Temme
dr. ir. S de Bruin
and others
Examiner(s)dr. ir. S de Bruin
dr. ir. JJ Stoorvogel

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

GRS-10306; Recommended : LAD-33306, GRS-20806, LAD-30306

Continuation courses:

MSc thesis

Contents:

Detecting, describing and understanding spatial patterns and their changes through time are key elements of many environmental disciplines including soil science, geomorphology, land use science, hydrology and ecology. Geo-information science has developed methods, concepts and techniques that may help researchers in those disciplines to deepen their understanding of dynamic spatial processes.
This course aims to discuss and apply contemporary knowledge from geo-information science within the context of environmental problems. Students will extend their knowledge about dynamic GIS and apply this methodology to problems from Earth and Environment disciplines.
The course builds on existing GIS-skills and broadens the suite of spatial modelling methods such as practiced in GRS-30306 (Spatial Modelling and Statistics), and inventory of spatial data such as explored in LAD 30306 (Inventory Techniques for Land Dynamics). The course is especially relevant for students in the fields of soil geography, geo-information science, landscape studies, hydrology and atmosphere but may also be relevant for students with a more ecological background.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain contemporary concepts, methods and techniques from geo-information science that are useful for environmental analyses;
- interpret indicators and metrics (e.g. those derived from Digital Elevation Models) used in soil science, catchment hydrology and ecology;
- demonstrate the application of methodologies from geo-information science in environmental analyses described in scientific literature;
- evaluate GIS methodologies applied in soil science, catchment hydrology and ecology using scientific papers;
- design a study in which modern spatio-temporal geo-information concepts, methods and techniques are applied to an environmental problem.

Activities:

In the first part of the course, students learn concepts, methods and techniques which are introduced in lectures, using examples from selected literature. These will be demonstrated in practicals using small data sets and simple case studies. In the second part of the course, students use the previously learned methodology for analysing dynamic environmental patterns at different levels of complexity. Students will design a study of a topic from their own discipline, and discuss this design with fellow students and teachers.

Examination:

- written exam(s) (50%);
- answers to exercises (50%).

Literature:

Provided during course.

OpleidingFaseSpecialisatiePeriode
Keuze voor: MEEEarth and EnvironmentMSc4WD
MEEEarth and EnvironmentMSc4WD
MGIGeo-Information ScienceMSc4WD