MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction

This unit introduces the principles and applications of GIS and remote sensing in gemorphology, specifically approaches to digital terrain analysis and geomorphometry.

To equip students with necessary knowledge and skills to use digital terrain data for landscape analysis, and gain experience of the collection, handling and manipulation of 3D spatial data.

Lectures supported by guided-computer practical exercises and project surgeries on the generation and processing of digital elevation data using GIS and remote sensing software. Independent learning via reading outside of lectures. Application of learning via an individual mini-project.

• Understand a range of digital elevation data types, collection methods and processing techniques.
• Gain knowledge of the use, strengths, and limitations of 3D spatial data. 

• Critically evaluate topographic data types, processing techniques, and approaches to 3D data visualisation.

• Source, manage and handle digital topographic data from a range of sources in appropriate GIS and EO software.
• Use GIS software to visualise 3D data.

• Develop succinct written, oral and, visual communication skills.
• Ability to source and process 3D spatial data to explore questions related to physical geography, geomorphology and mapping.

Formative

• Computer-based short- answer questions associated with practical sessions.
• 1-page mini-project proposal.

Summative

• Long-form write-up of practical session topic of choice (40%).
• Poster presentation of mini-project  (60%).

• Verbal feedback to/from students during practical sessions.
• Practical answers posted after session on VLE (weekly).
• Written feedback to students via comments on summative coursework.

Scientific literature as appropriate. Reading list week-by-week.

Indicative textbooks:

Hengl, T., Reuter, H.I.  (eds.) 2009. Geomorphometry: Concepts, Software, Applications. Developments in Soil Science, Vol. 23. Elsevier.

Wilson, J.P., Gallant, J.C. (eds.) 2000. Terrain Analysis: Principles and Applications. John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 1-2.

Wilson, J. P., 2018. Environmental applications of digital terrain modeling. Oxford, UK: John Wiley and Sons

Journals:

Geomorphology; Computers & Geosciences; Earth-Science Reviews; Progress in Physical Geography; IEEE Transactions in Geoscience and Remote Sensing; International Journal of Geographical Information Science; Earth Surface Processes & Landforms.