Special Topics in Environmental Sciences (390-0-02)
Topic
GIS - Raster & Remote Sensing
Meeting Info
Technological Institute F285: Mon 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
In this course, we will be focusing on the raster GIS environment, which is the core analytical aspect of GIS used and mostly for natural resource modeling and environmental analysis. Students will learn the raster structure and its advantages and limitations and will develop a strong understanding of the tools and techniques used to display, process, and analyze remotely sensed data, including appropriate raster data management and procedures; simple raster surface modeling and image interpretation; map algebra concepts using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst; proximity and dispersion modeling. Student will be assessed based on their class participation, weekly hands-on lab and a final project in which students will demonstrate their ability to apply new skills to a real-world situation of personal or professional interest.
Registration Requirements
Basic GIS knowledge preferred but not required.
Learning Objectives
In this course, students will:
Understand the connection between raster and vector data
Understand raster data types, management and conversions
Use raster and terrain data and techniques to analyze natural environments to solve problems and address spatial questions using GIS.
By the end of this quarter, students should be able to:
Be able to navigate and use the software interface
Develop and maintain a project Log for workflow documentation.
Use digital elevation model to model slope, aspect and other terrain derivatives to perform basic surface hydrological analyses.
Apply surface interpolation techniques and principles
Apply Raster Overlay techniques and Map algebra operations to identify landscapes that meet certain conditions and create suitability models.
Create high quality maps/figures to include in illustrated academic, scientific and professional high-quality reports or presentations.
Exercise critical "spatial" thinking and creative problem-solving skills
Teaching Method
This class will be taught with combined lecture/activity sessions. Each class will include a theoretical knowledge base, an in-class exercise, and a relevant homework assignment to build skills.
Evaluation Method
The course evaluates students' performance by using the following weighting scheme:
- Class Participation: 15%
- Lab/Homework Assignments: 30%
- Final Exam: 20%
- Term Project: 35%
Class Materials (Required)
Based on software availability, in this class we will use the ESRI ArcGIS Pro software. For this reason, a personal laptop (possibly a PC) is needed. NOTE: if you have a MAC, you cannot install ArcGIS Pro as ESRI software don't run on MAC. To solve this issue, I will have all my students be able to access the IT Virtual lab, in which they can access ArcGIS Pro using this remote connection to the virtual machine with any device with an internet connection. Alternative options are available.
To access ArcGIS Pro, students need to be part of an ESRI ArcGIS Online Organization, for which students will receive an email invitation by the second class. Once you have this account, you can download and install the software on your personal laptop.
Alternatively (or in addition) we will use QGIS, an open-source software, that is a very good alternative to ArcGIS Pro and that can run on MAC as well.
NOTE: If a personal laptop capable of downloading the software is a limitation, please reach out to Dr. Sperone or Dr. Beddows for support in obtaining a machine that will facilitate participating in this course.
Associated Classes
LAB - Technological Institute F285: Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM