A single project report (1500 words) plus GIS maps and tables.

Formative feedback on the report will be offered prior to final submission.

Anonymous (undated) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey, JNCC
ESRI (2004) Getting to know ArcGIS desktop: basics of ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo, ESRI
Heywood I, Cornelius S & Carver S (1998) An introduction to Geographical Information Systems website to support the book: http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/heywood_ema/
Skidmore A (2002) Environmental modelling with GIS and remote sensing Taylor and Francis
Wadsworth R (1999) GIS for Ecology.
Johnston C (1998) Geographic Information Systems in Ecology
Burrough P A & McDonnell R A (1998) Principles of Geographic Information Systems
Jones C B (1997) Geographic Information Systems and Computer Cartography
Fotheringham A S, Brunsdon C & Charlton M (2000) Quantitative Geography: perspectives on spatial data analysis
Birkin M (1996) Intelligent GIS: location decisions and strategic decisions
Wood D (1993) The Power of Maps

Differential GPS is used as a real world mapping tool and allows ecologists to precisely map habitat compartments of nature reserves. DGPS data can be downloaded to fully functional Geographical Information Systems which allows the manipulation of the DGPS data to create new maps and act as a host for management information. This module will concentrate on learning the skills needed to use DGPS (and other digital data) and GIS. 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 ARCGIS software and other data sources in Semester 2, and create Phase 1 habitat maps of the University Reserve within ARCVIEW using digital data from a previous DGPS survey of the reserve. The module is strongly vocationally orientated.

This module will contain a 1x2h tutorial on Phase 1 habitat mapping followed by a 2h field tutorial on Phase 1 in practice. 10 x 2 hours of workshops will be given to explain the principles and practice of using a GIS. Problem-based learning will be used to illustrate concepts and develop analytical capabilities. Directed learning to reinforce and expand skills will necessitate the use of the software outside contact hours. Some directed reading will also be necessary to reinforce the theory.

Applied Sciences IT suite,
ARC GIS software
Library
Digital data