GV2GISNU-Environmental Information Systems

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Kevin White
Email: k.h.white@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides the students with an understanding of Environmental Information Systems, with a focus on applying knowledge and methods acquired from other modules in environmental science, monitoring and management.

Aims:

This module aims to develop skills in the creation, management and use of Environmental Information Systems in environmental decision making, including the application of GIS, remote sensing and environmental mapping.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Master the rudiments of environmental information, databases and GISs.


• Recognize the significance of Environmental Information Systems (EIS) in environmental decision making and protection.


• Outline the current situation and trends in the use of EIS.


• Understand the various methods for acquiring environmental data.


• Explain the structures and development processes adopted in environmental databases and EIS.


• Discuss the factors influencing the development of EIS.


• Design EISs conceptually towards resolving an actual environment problem.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their library, IT and language skills, as well as improve their skills in the analysis, evaluation and presentation of researched material.

Outline content:

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• What is an Environmental Information System?


• Research advances


• What is GIS?


• How to acquire environmental data


• Standardization of envi ronmental information


• Acquiring spatial data in GIS


• Overview of databases


• Spatial data models in GIS


• Geodatabase in GIS


• Data mining in EISs


• Processing of spatial data in GIS


• Spatial analysis in GIS


• Meta-data


• Procedures for developing an EIS


• Application case studies

Practical sessions will include:

• Getting to know ArcGIS


• Exploring ArcCatalog and ArcMap


• Assembling the geodatabase


• Performing the spatial analysis


• Presenting the results by mapping

Global context:

The basic concepts, methodologies and applications of Environmental Information Systems are transferrable worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The theory section of the module is taught through lectures that introduce the student to the principles of the subjects studied. Seminars allow students to research and discuss topics in greater depth whilst case studies and videos may also be used to enhance understanding. Monthly homework assignments are designed to develop the student's understanding and to provide feedback on written work. Regular surgery tutorials provide an opportunity for students to seek additional help, if requi red.

The practical section of the module will comprise five sessions in ArcGIS. The students will follow the instructions after the teacher’s demonstration.