In Semester 1, after an initial period which introduces the Phase 1 evaluation technique, students will carry out a Phase 1 survey of the University Nature Reserve. Students will be introduced to theories, concepts and models of GIS as well as their limitations. Students will be trained in ARCGIS software and introduced to key data sources, and how to use them in semester 2. Students will create Phase 1 habitat maps of the University Reserve within ARCVIEW using digital data from a previous DGPS survey of the reserve.

A REPORT (length 2000 WORDS) plus GIS maps and tables to include a brief but critical appraisal of the application of GIS within the ecology & conservation sector weighted at 100%. [1,2,3]

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Formative feedback in class

Introduction to Phase 1 habitat survey technique + data collection on the Nature Reserve - 4 hours
Workshops for GIS - 20 hours

Data collection on the nature reserve, practice of GIS skills, online data collection, assessment preparation -126 hours

Anonymous (2007) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. JNCC, Peterborough (free download at www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2468)
Brewer C A (2005) Designing better maps: a guide for GIS users. ESRI, Redlands
Lloyd C D (2010) Spatial Data Analysis: An introduction for GIS users. OUP, Oxford
Mesev V (2007) Integration of GIS and remote sensing. Wiley, Chichester

ARCGIS software
VPN software (free) for students to be able to practice at home