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Precision Technologies for Cross-sectorial Development

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge of an integrative field, which includes analysis of using precise technologies in the fields of the life sciences. Students acquire knowledge of remote sensing, GIS development, spatial data processing and analysis, as well as spatial planning opportunities for interdisciplinary problem solving in agriculture, forestry and environmental science. During the practical work, students get acquainted with the experience of practical application of precise technologies regarding to the directions of modern development.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knows the importance of precise technologies and the main problems of their use in natural sciences (1st practical work, study tours, visiting guest lectures). Have skills to use the theory and practical skills for the evaluation of precise technologies, being able to reasonably discuss about a particular solution (2nd practical work). Acquire competence to analyse the variety of precise technologies use, integrating IT knowledge into their solutions and substantiating the decision to solve them, they are able to independently analyse and perform evaluation of the use of precise technologies (presentation of independent research).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Importance and use of precision technologies for cross-sectorial development.(1h)
2. Communication network solutions and precision technologies.(1h)
3. Remote sensing and the role of sensors in implementing of precise technologies.(1h)
4. Collecting, processing and analysing remote data for decision making.(1h)
5. The role, components and requirements of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).(1h)
6. GIS analysis methods and tools, mobile GIS.(1h)
7. Digital cartography.(1h)
8. Seminar: Analysis of practical work Nr.1 results.(1h)
9. Precise agricultural components.(1h)
10. Increasing the efficiency of the use of production resources.(1h)
11. Importance of mapping in precision farming, sensor management.(1h)
12. Precise animal husbandry and herd management system.(1h)
13. Precise apiculture solutions.(1h)
14. Precise forestry solutions.(1h)
15. The role of precision technologies use for environmental and climate change analysis.(1h)
16. IT solutions for landscape architecture, 3D landscape design.(1h)
17. Optimization of spatial planning.(1h)
18. Seminar: Analysis of practical work Nr.2 results.(1h)
19. Planning and modelling of precise solutions development.(1h)
20. Use of specialized software.(1h)
21. Robotics and precision technologies.(1h)
22. Tasks for integrating of precision technologies.(1h)
23. Trends in technology development.(1h)
24. Closing seminar and presentations of the independent research.(1h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Requirements for awarding credit points:
- evaluation of independent study presentation at the closing seminar;
- evaluation of completed 2 practical works;
- active visiting of study tours and guest lectures;
- regularity of literature studies.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the semester 2 practical works must be performed:
- practical work Nr.1: theoretical aspects of precise technologies;
- practical work Nr.2: analysis of the application of precise technologies.
Description of practical works at least on 5 pages for each work should be prepared and submitted electronically on the e-learning site.
Presentation on the results of the study must be prepared and presented at the closing seminar.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of learning outcomes depends on:
- students participation in seminars with outcomes of 2 practical works (maximum 4 points);
- presentation of student’s independent during the closing seminar (maximum 4 points);
- students active participation in study tours and guest lectures (maximum 2 points).
The sum of points is the cumulative score of the semester.

Compulsory reading

1. Mukhopadhyay S.C. Smart Sensing Technology for Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. 386 p.
2. Precision agriculture for sustainability and environmental protection. Ed. M. Oliver et al. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2013. 304 p.
3. Terry B. Precision agriculture. Thomson Delmar Learning, 2006. 224 p.
4. Zhang Q. Precision agriculture technology for crop farming [tiešsaiste] CRC Press, Boca Raton, New York, 2016. 360 p. Pieejams: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781482251081
5. Crampton J. Mapping: A Critical Introduction to Cartography and GIS. [tiešsaiste] John Wiley & Sons, 2011. 232 p. Pieejams: http://carlosreynoso.com.ar/archivos/territorio/Crampton-Mapping-A-Critical-Introduction-to-Cartography-and-GIS.pdf
6. Campbell J., Michael S. Essentials of Geographic Information Systems. [tiešsaiste] Saylor Foundation, 2011. 259 p. Pieejams: https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/essentials-of-geographic-information-systems

Further reading

Alberts M. Nākotnes precīzās saimniekošanas tehnoloģijas Latvijas laukiem. Jelgava: Jelgavas tipogrāfija, 2013. 270 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

Agrotops. ISSN 1407-5164
ESRI periodika

Notes

Study course for students of ITF Master's study program "Information Technologies"