Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology

Cod y Modiwl: BR25520
Teitl y Modiwl: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Guilherme A. Bortolotto
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Tom Holt; Dr Elizabeth Hart; Dr Sarah Helyar; Dr Ruth Wonfor; Dr Guilherme A. Bortolotto; Dr Ifat Shah

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Practical exercise 1. Workshop record and report.: 2000 Words	60%
Asesiad Semester	Practical exercise 2. Online workshop assessment.: 2 Awr	40%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Practical exercise 1. Workshop record and report.: 2000 Words	60%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Practical exercise 2. Online workshop assessment.: 2 Awr	40%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Analyse ecological data types using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software
Make informed choices on which GIS tools to use in different contexts of landscape ecology research
Produce and interpret maps, charts and tables showing spatial patterns of habitats and ecological processes within landscapes

Disgrifiad cryno

Investigating the spatial distribution patterns of organisms is of fundamental importance in many of the environmental sciences. Technological developments, particularly in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), over the last few decades have unlocked the potential to record and analyse spatial information at scales ranging from local habitats to the global. GIS provide the means for integrating and analysing data from widely available sources such as maps, aerial photographs, satellite imagery with fieldwork measurements increasingly captured utilising devices such as smart phones or tablets. In parallel with these technological advances, landscape and spatial ecology have emerged as significant sub-disciplines seeking to understand patterns and relationships and aid decision making in areas such as conservation and the management of human impacts. This module will provide students with both a background in spatial ecological concepts and software skills for practical applications of GIS in the workplace.

Cynnwys

Each week there will be workshops in which students will undertake practical activities with staff in attendance to provide support. Workshops will be supported by a range of materials provided on Blackboard, some of which must be completed prior to the workshop.
• Principles of GIS. Coordinate systems, projections and geo-referencing.
• Obtaining data and incorporation of data into a GIS, types of secondary data.
• Organising and presenting spatial data.
• Analysis of spatial data and practical applications of GIS such a habitat suitability mapping.
• Characterising and analysing patterns in habitats and understanding their ecological implications.
• Managing landscapes to achieve objectives such as species conservation or improved ecosystem function.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Students will be required to communicate spatial information effectively for a prescribed audience.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Vocationally relevant examples of the use of this technology will be embedded within the module.
Datrys Problemau	By its nature the successful use of GIS requires the development of problem solving skills.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Some components of the module will be undertaken in an unsupervised manner requiring the student to apply good time management.
Rhifedd	Analysis of numerical data forms a core component of the module and use of GIS also requires a range of mathematical skills.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Dependent upon the data chosen and types of analyses conducted it is likely that there will be opportunities for students to acquire additional skills relevant to their particular study schemes.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Students will be expected to gather data from a range of primary and secondary sources.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	The whole module involves development and assessment of IT skills.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5