Course Description
Technologies and methods used to collect, manage, analyze, and display spatial information for natural resource management. Applications of geographic information systems, aerial photography, satellite remote sensing, and global positioning systems in forest planning, wildlife management, fisheries management, and water resource management.
Athena Title
Spatial Analysis
Pre or Corequisite
(FANR 3000 and FANR 3000L) or (FORS 4050/6050 and FORS 4050L/6050L) or PRTM 4700 or (WILD 4110/6110 and WILD 4110L/6110L)
Corequisite
FANR 3800L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to: 1. Understand fundamental concepts of geographic information systems (GIS), including spatial data structures, map projections, and coordinate systems 2. Understand basic principles and use of aerial photography, satellite remote sensing, and global positioning systems 3. Understand how to apply GIS techniques and methods to address real-world natural resource, ecology, and management issues 4. Understand how and when geospatial data and techniques would improve understanding of a research or management question 5. Converse with others about the utility of geospatial analysis in your field of study
Topical Outline
Week Topics 1 Introduction and Class Overview, Fundamentals of Cartography 2 Vector and Raster Data Models 3 Introduction to GIS; Spatial data models; Data sources and availablity 4 Georeferencing: Coordinate systems, datums, and map projections 4 Spatial Data Queries 5 Vector Analysis; Metadata and Data standards 6 Conducting a vector analysis 7 Using GPS to gather field data 8 Introduction to Remote Sensing; Aerial photo interpretation; heads-up digitizing 9 Satellite Remote Sensing I: Overview 10 Satellite Remote Sensing II: Image Classification 11 Raster Analysis 12 Specialized Raster Analysis Tools 13 Advanced topics (Networks, Terrain Analysis, Landscape Ecology, Decision Support Tools) 14 Jobs in Natural Resources using Geospatial Technologies
Syllabus