Module Information

Module Identifier
EAM3810
Module Title
VEGETATION INVENTORY AND REMOTE SENSING
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Professor Richard Lucas
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Field-based exercises  30%
Semester Assessment Group presentation with individual assessment  20%
Semester Assessment Field work report (2000 words)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed assignment  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Design a survey of vegetation (specifically forests)
  2. Establish and layout sample plots for vegetation inventory and conduct standard measurements
  3. Set up a survey network using a combination of total stations and GPS
  4. Set up and operate a terrestrial laser scanner.
  5. Plan field campaigns in support of airborne/spaceborne remote sensing surveys.
  6. Write manuals/protocols relating to collection of field, ground and airborne remote sensing data.
  7. Explain and articulate methods of field, ground and airborne remote sensing data collection.

Brief description

A field-based module with focus on methods of vegetation inventory and survey design, use of ground-based spatial technologies, and planning in support of airborne remote sensing campaigns

Content

Vegetation survey design
Plot/transect measurement techniques
Basic forest measurement (species, structure, biomass)
Setting up survey networks, GPS
Introduction to terrestrial laser scanning
Planning of airborne/ campaigns

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Use of mathematics and statistics; computer-based work.
Communication Presentation and manual/report writing
Improving own Learning and Performance Field-based exercises and literature review.
Information Technology Use of new technologies (e.g., gps, terrestrial laser scanners, total stations)
Personal Development and Career planning Awareness of various approaches to field survey and ground, airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data and relevance to business, government organisations and science institutions.
Problem solving Establishing plot layouts, optimal methods for vegetation survey, layout of survey networks and use of terrestrial laser scans; design of airborne surveys
Research skills Forest inventory techniques, use of ground-based spatial technologies, retrieval of tree and stand level information.
Subject Specific Skills As above.
Team work Forest based inventory and survey layout involving a high level of team work

Reading List

Essential Reading
Kangas, A. and Maltamo, M. (2009) Forest inventory: Methodology and Applications (Managing Forest Ecosystems) Springer Primo search Kohl, M. (2010) Sampling methods, remote sensing and GIS multirresource forest inventory (tropical forestry) Springer Primo search Mandallaz, D. (2007) Sampling techniques for forest inventories Chapman and Hall Primo search Shan, J. and Toth, C.K. (2008) Topographic laser ranging: principles and processing CRC Press Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7