GRS-33306 Advanced Geo-information Science for Earth and Environment

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

The course assumes basic GIS-skills (GRS-10306 Introduction Geo-information Science or GRS-10806 Geo-information Science for Planning and Design) and either GRS-20806 Geo-information Tools or SGL-30306 Inventory Techniques for Geosciences.

Continuation courses:

The provided overview of spatial and spatio-temporal modelling methods can be deepened in later courses such as GRS-30306 (Spatial Modelling and Statistics) and thesis research.

Contents:

Representation and analysis of information on spatial phenomena and changes of these through time are key to many environmental disciplines concerned with soils, ecology, atmosphere, hydrology and the like. In this course, students will extend previously acquired knowledge about spatial and spatio-temporal representations of information in the computer and will use this knowledge on a selection of example applications in these domains. The course combines training in raster-based ArcGIS tools with use of the R scripting language along with several contributed packages. It provides an overview of spatial and spatio-temporal modelling methods, which can be deepened in later courses such as GRS-30306 (Spatial Modelling and Statistics) and thesis research. It is considered 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 an 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 used in spatial and spatio-temporal environmental analyses;
- interpret indicators and metrics derived from Digital Elevation Models within the context of soil science, catchment hydrology and ecology;
- demonstrate the application of spatio-temporal representations from geo-information science using partially prepared computer scripts;
- evaluate the methods for spatial and spatio-temporal representation reported in scientific papers;
- design and carry out a study in which spatio-temporal concepts, methods and techniques are applied to an environmental problem.

Activities:

The first week of the course focuses on morphometric and other advanced analysis of digital elevation models. During that week, theory is practiced mainly using ArcGIS software. The second week extends existing knowledge about spatial representation in Geographical Information Systems to the temporal domain. This part of the course concerns (1) individual objects, which are studied using trajectories and space-time prisms, and (2) continuous space-time fields, with special attention for the value of sample information. Here, theory is exercised using the R scripting language. In the third week students design and carry out a mini-project for a chosen application and discuss their results with fellow students and teachers. This project is reviewed and presented in week 4. The course closes with an open book exam.

Examination:

- an open book exam that counts for 50% of the final mark;
- the other 50% is gained from the practical assignments.

Literature:

Provided during course.