ENVR 290 GIS Applications in Natural Resource Management

School of Environment and Geomatics

ENVR 290 GIS Applications in Natural Resource Management continues to introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the use of ArcGIS Pro and other related software and apps. One focus will be common GIS data management, exploration and analysis tasks, and preparing basic cartographic maps. This will include integrated projects aligned with other Recreation, Fish and Wildlife classes. Another focus will be setting up for efficient mobile data collection, and importing mobile data into various applications.

Prerequisites: ENVR 158 and ENVR 190 both with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture1
Lab (lab, field, computer)2

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Apply GIS theory and concepts to answer spatial questions through exploration and analysis of data
  2. Produce thematic maps to communicate natural resources data, applying basic cartographic principles to improve map layouts and communication with specific audiences
  3. Compare different GIS data models
  4. Describe common raster datasets and apply a variety of symbolization strategies to visualize the data
  5. Set up and use mobile GIS applications and field tablets to collect useful field data and import into GIS software
  6. Create useful raster and vector datasets, such as contour, slope, hill shade, and aspect datasets, from digital elevation models

Teaching and Learning Approach

The course will include a mix of theory, discussion, demonstration, quizzes, guided application, and independent lab time. Midterms will consist of practical and theory aspects, in an open-book format (timed completion).

Learning Resources

Reference materials will be made available during the class in the form of handouts, website references, and digital material as posted.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Orientation 2. Slocan Lake canoe trip 3. Review some of GIS concepts. Importing and converting data and creating a map. 4. Create field map for Kootenay Pass lab 5. The topic this week will be editing data in ArcGIS Pro. 6. Mobile Data Collection 7. Field trip to the East Kootenays 8. Mid term exam 9. Import, convert and analyze patterns in simple field data collected with a mobile device. 10. Review of Coordinate Systems. 11. Joining and Relating Tables. 12. Queries 13. Raster data analysis using integrated project with RFW 263. Refresher on remotely collected data and mission planning with a UAV. Raster datasets. 14. Review 15. Final Exam

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Task 1: Review of basic GIS concepts and cartography. Import and edit data, and create a map layout Task 2: Integrated project with your recreationclass.10%
Upload data in various file formats. Import into create, clean and analyze your field data. Use plan. Create a basic map Share data in a geodatabase.ArcGIS, GIS tools to15%
Task 3: Mobile Data Collection project. Set up schema and collect field data using a mobile device. clean and analyze data. Use density analysis visualize patterns. Create a map.an attribute Import, techniques to10%
Task 4: Basic GIS tools and concepts. Joining tables, attribute and location queries, coordinate assignments. Multiple Layout maps. Layer Filesand relating systems15%
Task 5: Midterm (theory and practical) Task 6: Assessments of the project maps (includingGIS15%
day)5%
Task 7: Raster Analysis10%
Task 8: Final Exam (theory and practical)20%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.