Description:

The course gives participants a practical knowledge of surveying methods/procedures and a familiarity with the screening/manipulation of spatial field data, ultimately deriving accurate and comprehensive maps/drawings. Students will undertake field surveys using automatic levels, Global Positioning Systems and Total Station Survey devices. Informal data collection will be explored with traditional compass/pace methods. Recent advances in technology, such as autonomous and robotic instruments (including UAVs, RPAS) will be introduced, along with the legislation that dictates their use in commercial and research activities. Emphasis is placed upon ecosystem field data collection and representation. Students are introduced to mapping and site drawings via AutoCAD Map for creating drawings depicting environmental data in an accurate and meaningful (Geospatially Referenced) manner. Students are introduced to Remotely Sensed (RS) data as they relate to ecosystems analysis and restoration.