Course Description
Students will complete assignments to illustrate principles and techniques presented in Spatial Analysis of Natural Resources.
Athena Title
Spatial Lab
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 3800
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. Locate and create spatial datasets through air photo interpretation and GPS surveys 4. Use ArcGIS software to import spatial data, create custom maps, query spatial databases, and perform basic spatial analyses 5. Apply GIS techniques and methods to address real-world natural resource, ecology, and management issues 6. Understand how and when geospatial data and techniques would improve understanding of a research or management question 7. Converse with others about the utility of geospatial analysis in your field of study 8. Assist others with the use and application of geospatial data
Topical Outline
Week Topics 1 Introduction and Class Overview, Visualization of spatial data 2 Vector and Raster Data Models 3 Georeferencing: Coordinate systems, datums, and map projections 4 Spatial Data Queries 5 Vector Analysis 6 Conducting a vector analysis 7 GPS: gathering field data 8 Creating digital data: GPS versus heads-up digitizing 9 Remote Sensing I: Overview 10 Remote Sensing II: Image Classification 11 Raster Analysis I: Wildlife Habitat Analysis 12 Raster Analysis II: Watershed Analysis 13 Review of materials 14 Practical Exam