ENVR 291 GIS Applications in Forestry

School of Environment and Geomatics

ENVR 291 GIS Applications in Forestry continues to introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the industry-standard ArcGIS Pro and other related software and apps. Students will apply GIS concepts and tools to Forestry scenarios, including through an applied integrated project within the second year FOR program with standard GIS deliverables (Data and Map products).

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
Lab (lab, field, computer)3

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Use ArcGIS Pro and other relevant software and apps to import field data in various formats, and explore, visualize and analyze spatial data
  2. Apply spatial reference systems accurately to analyse and display data
  3. Create, manage and share geodatabases, shapefiles and other feature classes
  4. Organize data and manage GIS information
  5. Apply cartographic techniques to improve communication via maps, with a focus on industry standard map products (e.g., cruise, harvest and site plans), and professional assessments (e.g., visual impact, equivalent to clear-cut, total resource planning).
  6. Derive various raster datasets using LiDAR derived digital elevation models
  7. Apply basic geoprocessing tools

Teaching and Learning Approach

The course will include a mix of theory, discussion, demonstration, guided application, and independent lab time. Midterms will consist of practical and theory aspects, in a mixture of closed-book theory and open-book practical exam format (timed completion). We will be integrating projects with the rest of the Forestry courses in the semester.

Learning Resources

Required: 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. Course introduction and GIS review 2. GIS basics and Editing data 3. Data Exploration – Attribute and spatial, joining data queries 4. Projections, coordinate systems and datums 5. Raster data and raster geoprocessing, LiDAR data – acquisition and data accuracy 6. Midterm Exam 7. Reading Week 8. Skattebo Base Map 9. Total Resource Plan 10. Skattebo Harvest Plan 11. Create a Skattebo Cruise Plan 12. Skattebo Site Plans 13. FOR 200 Field Trip (Tentative) 14. SEG Conference, Field Defenses 15. EXAM WEEK, Final TRP Evaluation/Skattebo Field Defense

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Lab assignments and projects1,2,3,4,5,6,755%
File management1,35%
Midterm 11,2,3,4,5,6,720%
Skattebo - TRP and Deliverables1,2,3,4,5,6,720%
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.