ENVS8702 GIS Field Methods For All Disciplines

2019

4.5

4 x 2-hour lectures per semester
4 x 2-hour workshops per semester
1 x 5-day field trip per semester

1 ^ 1 of GEOG8700, STEM8002
2 1 of GEOG2700, GEOG1003, STEM1002
Must Satisfy: ((1) or (2))

1 of ENVS9790, GEOG1004, STEM1003, STEM8008 has been successfully completed

The topic is applicable to all disciplines who have a need to collect geographical information. It involves an intensively taught residential component and a short lecture and workshop series. As part of the residential component, students in teams participate in geographical field data capture. Here they are involved in undertaking Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV) missions using a range of different sensors. They also complete activities in mapping using LIDAR, a total station surveying instruments, photogrammetry and Real-time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Students are also required to undertake post-processing and analysis in a GIS of a selection of the above. Student will also be exposed to emerging trends and innovations in spatial information science in remote sensing, RPAs and mobile technologies in Defence, Smart cities and precision agriculture, as well as how these technologies contribute to research, productivity in the workplace and a developing modern economy.

Students gain practical skills related to the collection and analysis of geographical information. Students will complete activities in field mapping, surveying, vegetation and wildlife surveys, data collection using differential GPS and general map reading and interpretation skills. Following the field camp students will, under supervised study, analyse the data collected and prepare a report for submission.

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Flight plan applicable to a sensor and application and undertake a Remotely Piloted Aircraft operation including post-processing
2. Successfully use a total station surveying instrument to survey land surface and features
3. Apply the use of a precise Global Navigation Satellite System technology to the survey of geographical features
4. Apply the use of LIDAR to the survey of geographical features
5. Analyse field data collected above using a GIS and interpret the results of that analysis
6. Describe the advantages and limitations of these and other emerging technologies in spatial information science
7. Describe how these and other emerging trends and innovations in spatial information science can contribute to research, productivity in the workplace and a developing modern economy