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Introduction of GIS and Forest Mapping II

Course developers

Prior knowledge

InfT3036, Introduction of GIS and Forest Mapping I

MežZ3085, Function and Production of Forests: Introduction

Course abstract

The course introduces geographic information system (GIS), data mining, software for data processing and its application in forestry.
In the second part of the study course students acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of forestry data collecting, processing, analysis and software platforms used in practice.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course, students will have:
Understanding the place and role of geographic information systems in practical forestry (Test 1);
Ability to see the relationship between cartography, cadastre, geodesy and information technology,
Skills in the types of GIS data sources, their usability, underlying data structures and relationships resulting from the use of information technology (Laboratory work);
Ability to complete thematic cartography tasks by designing and applying GIS and GPS. In the final examination, the student performs the mapping of the forest massif based on the collected field survey data and their cameral post-processing (Test 2).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to GIS in Forestry (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
2. GIS used in the management of natural resources and their applicability. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
3. GIS data structures and models used in forestry. Raster, vector and hybrid data models. Topology. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 2h)
4. Integrated geospatial databases, GIS in State registers, enterprise GIS. (Lecture 2h + Laboratory work 2h)
5. Data matching, geocoding, geo-referencing, scanned maps, orthophotos, satellite imagery. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
6. Field data collection, software to be used, equipment and support systems. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
7. Post-processing of collected field data. (Test 1).
8. Use of GIS in Forest Taxation. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
9. Use of GIS in the inventory of nature values. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
10. Introduction into GNSS, Latpos. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 2h)
11. Georeferencing of raster data in forestry. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
12. Use of GIS for Forest management plan preparing. (Lecture 1h + Laboratory work 1h)
13. GIS project planning and implementation. (Lecture 2h + Laboratory work 2h)

14. Field data collection, post-processing, map making, data analysis. (Test 2).

Requirements for awarding credit points

To get grade showing course learning: 2 tests must be written, 16 laboratory works and 1 independently done homework must be completed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the semester students are required to complete one homework to describe a solution for a specific forest GIS task. The work must be written and submitted electronically on the e-learning website.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of knowledge, skills and competence takes place on a 10 grade scale. The course cumulative assessment consists of 2 tests (40%), 16 laboratory works (40%) and 1 homework (20%).

Compulsory reading

Advances in remote sensing and GIS applications in forest fire management from local to global assessments.San-Miguel Ayanz, Jesus ; Gitas, Ioannis ; Camia, Andrea ; Oliveira. Scientific and technical research series ; EUR (Luxembourg. Online), 2011, 2011
https://qgis.org/en/site/

Further reading

https://www.cartographersguild.com/forum.php
https://www.gislounge.com/gis-forums/

Periodicals and other sources

https://www.lvmgeo.lv/kartes
http://ozols.daba.gov.lv/pub/
https://karte.lad.gov.lv/
https://www.kadastrs.lv/

Notes

For academic bachelor study program “Sustainable forestry” students