512026 Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application (2 credits)

Lecturer: Kensuke Fukushi and Ronald C. Estoque

Course Description

The course aims to provide an introductory understanding of the concepts and principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) and their applications to social-ecological research, management planning, and decision making. This course is divided into two parts. The first part will introduce fundamental concepts of GIS, including some important and commonly used geoprocessing and spatial analysis tools and techniques, such as vector-raster conversion, proximity, surface interpolation, reclassification, map algebra, cross tabulation, and zonal analysis. The second part will focus on RS satellite data processing, including the derivation of various spectral indices and some examples of satellite image classification methods. All of these will be achieved through a series of lectures and guided hands-on training sessions. The course will use ArcGIS – the world’s leading GIS software package.

Learning Outcomes

The overall goal of this course is for students to gain some understanding of the concepts and principles of GIS and RS, and their applications to social-ecological research, management planning, and decision making. By the end of the course, students will be able to execute some important GIS tools and techniques and process RS data. They will be able to perform at least basic spatial analysis and identify some important social-ecological problems that can be supported by spatial analysis with the use of GIS and RS. Finally, they will be able to connect the outcomes of GIS/RS-based analyses to existing knowledge, management planning, and decision making.