PPS-30306 Quantitative Analysis of Land Use Systems (QUALUS)

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

YEI-10306 and PPS-20806 or LAD-10309 or ESW-10306

Contents:

Problems associated with food security and depletion of natural resources and the need for economically viable and socially acceptable systems are important reasons for a redesign of land use systems at the level of farms, forestry estates, or nature parks as well as at the regional level. The QUALUS course deals with qualitative land evaluation and presents an overview of quantitative methods for regional land use analysis and design. The methods identify options for sustainable systems and land use and provide trade-offs among objectives. To use these methods, you need to apply disciplinary knowledge about economy, soil, climate, animals and plants. Important aspects of the various methods treated are their aim, spatial and temporal scale and climatic zone. One of the mathematical techniques for these model-based land use studies, i.e. (MG)LP is presented in more detail. The course will be illustrated with different studies that have been carried out. All methods use a scenario approach. Attention will be given to involvement of stakeholders.

Learning outcomes:

After thoroughly studying the written materials, preparing and critically following the lectures and performing the practicals, you should be able to demonstrate:
- that you can give an overview of the qualitative and quantitative methods for regional land use analysis;
- that you can give an overview and explain the role of models within land use design and planning;
- that you can clarify the influence of the time horizon and spatial scales on the methodology and the results;
- that you can carry out a qualitative and quantitative land evaluation;
- that you can give an overview of the linear programming techniques and their restrictions for use in land use studies;
- that you understand and can solve simple linear programming and multiple criteria problems;
- that you can formulate a simple multiple goal linear programming model for explorative land use studies on the basis of a problem definition.

Activities:

Lectures and practical will support self-study of the syllabus. Students will work in groups (of 2-4 students).

Examination:

Written exam and individual contributions during practicals.

Literature:

Study guide and syllabus.