2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
JUSO5571M GIS for Environmental Management (WUN)
15 creditsClass Size: 20
Module manager: Dr Jim Wright
Email: J.A.Wright@soton.ac.uk
Taught: 01 Oct to 31 Dec, 1 Sep to 31 Dec (Adv pre 2223) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
This module is mutually exclusive with
| GEOG5060M | GIS and Environment |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of geographical information systems (GIS) how to utilise GIS tools in environmental management. Environmental applications require specific skills on the part of the GIS professional. Such skills include familiarity with the sources of spatial environmental data and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Specific analytical skills are also required, such as the ability to monitor change over time, assess habitat suitability and to handle digital elevation models. The module also explores how GIS can be integrated with environmental impact assessment and may be used to support decision-making. The unit will be particularly valuable to those students hoping to pursue a career in the environmental sector or to undertake a research project with an environmental focus.The module taught element will take a broad view of the role of GIS in environmental management, but will focus on river catchment, forestry, renewable energy, and ecological applications.Objectives
On completion of the module students should be able to:1.critically evaluate contemporary developments in the use of GIS as a management tool for renewable energy, ecological, forestry, or catchment management, including examples of procedural and legislative structures and issues of professional implementation.
2. assess the restrictions and opportunities represented by different data sources, models and structures in environmental applications.
3. appreciate the approach necessary to design and evaluate a GIS application to solve a specific problem or fulfil a specific operational requirement within the fields of renewable energy, ecological, forestry, or catchment management.
4. critically assess the major methods and techniques available to handle 2-, 3- and 4-dimensional environmental data sets.
5. Select and evaluate appropriate frameworks through which to support decision-making in the context of complex (multi-criteria) and uncertain systems.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to display knowledge and understanding of:
Detailed knowledge of selected parts of the subject that allow you to study the current literature and engage in discussion with peers – in relation to spatio-temporal data structures and spatial decision-making
Knowledge of contemporary methods used to analyse remotely sensed imagery and other spatial data sets – in relation to land use/cover, digital elevation models, and spatial ecological data
At the end of this unit, students will be able to display a range of subject specific intellectual skills:
Critically analyse the literature relating to remote sensing and spatial analysis
Abstract and synthesise information from a range of different sources – in relation to environmental impact assessment
Analyse and critically interpret primary and secondary data
At the end of this unit, students will be able to display a range of subject specific practical skills:
Spatial data analysis – including habitat suitability assessment, terrain modelling, and spatial dynamic modelling
At the end of this unit, students will have developed a range of transferable/general (key) skills:
Pursuit of knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way
Learning and independent study
Information processing (including IT skills): literature searches
Data manipulation (including IT skills): analysis of data (especially spatial data); statistical methods;
Communication: oral and written presentation; scientific writing
Management: safe and effective project planning and execution; time management
Skills outcomes
- Pursuit of knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way
- Learning and independent study
- Information processing (including IT skills): literature searches
- Data manipulation (including IT skills): analysis of data (especially spatial data); statistical methods
- Communication: oral and written presentation; scientific writing
- Management: safe and effective project planning and execution; time management.
Syllabus
Introduction to environmental management
1. Environmental data acquisition and delivery
2. Adding the third dimension - elevation
3. Management applications of the third dimension
4. Adding the fourth dimension – time and dynamic modelling
5. Integrated analysis: environmental impact assessment
6. Managing and modelling land/use cover change
7. GIS for ecological management
8. Decision-making and decision support
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 60.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 70.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
- To work through online course materials: 45 hours- To undertake online self-assessment review questions: 4 hours
- To undertake additional reading: 31 hours
- To complete the practical exercises: 50 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Through email communication and online discussion room.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 x 2,000 word essay | 33.00 |
| Essay | 1 x 2,000 word essay | 33.00 |
| Practical | 1 x 2,500 word practical | 34.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 18/01/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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