Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0014 GIS in forest and landscape, 7.5 Credits

GIS för skog och landskap

Subjects

Forestry Science Forestry Science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Individual task GIS and WAC	2.0	0102
GIS in forest and landscape	5.5	0103

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies, and knowledge equivalent to

- 15 credits Forestry science or

- 15 credits Forest sciences or

- 15 credits Biology or

- 15 credits Environmental sciences

- 15 credits Landscape Architecture or

- 15 credits Agricultural Sciences or

- 15 credits Natural Resource Management

and English B.



As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.

Objectives

The aim with the course is for the student to get a basic understanding and practical experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically within forestry applications and withing a landscape matrix context. This will be achieved by theoretical GIS-basics, data sampling and management, map projections and reference systems, spatial analysis and visualization.

After completed course the student should be able to

• understand the basics of GIS theory

• perform editing in different data structures

• perform queries in (non-/spatial) large datasets

• perform basic spatial analysis

• describe fundamental concepts of remote sensing

• describe the landscape and landscape change with the help of GIS

• describe origin and structure of spatial data

• apply quantative analysis of spatial forest and landscape attributes

• critically assess precision and usage of GIS.

Content

The course gives an introduction to GIS systems. This refers to database management, visualisation and processing of spatial data and information. In the course the students will learn about origin and structure of spatial data, in vectorised features and in rasters, and how this information can be assessed and visualized. Current open data sources for forestry attributes and landscape data is part of learning activities and the students have the opportunity to critically assess and use the contemporary used GIS in Swedish forestry. Exercises in GIS is combined with knowledge transfer on how landscape and land use changes over time. The course includes quantitative analysis of forest attributes.

The Forestry science content is divided into sub-areas as follows:

• 5 credits Objectives, planning and policy

• 2,5 credits Work processes.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written assignments.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre