Students
ENVS8353 – Environmental Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing
2023 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Michael Chang
Contact via email
by appointment
Lecturer
Maina Mbui
Contact via email
by appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
GEOS801 or GEOS810 or ENVE810 or ENV808 or ENVS808 or ENVS8308 or ENVS6364
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
ENVS7353
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit builds on the basic GIS skills introduced in ENVS8308 and includes advanced GIS concepts and principles of remote sensing. Topics include: analysis of landscape and environmental variables, GIS modelling, geostatistics, remote sensing techniques and a range of case studies. Practical sessions include techniques for spatial data collection, data management, modelling, terrain products generation, and image processing. This unit is designed to provide students with skills that enhance their educational experience and work-readiness in the field of spatial information science. The GIS software used is ArcGIS. Students enrolling in this unit must have access to a computer with the Windows operating system. Mac or Linux system will not be supported. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Apply appropriate GIS raster analyses to derive useful information for making informed decisions
- ULO2: Design and implement a suitable model for environmental applications using remotely sensed data
- ULO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the advantages and limitations of spatial analyses and remote sensing systems
- ULO4: Communicate geographic information effectively using maps, reports and presentations
General Assessment Information
This unit does not have a Hurdle Requirement.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
From 1 July 2022, Students enrolled in Session based units with written assessments will have the following university standard late penalty applied. Please see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/assessments for more information.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through ask.mq.edu.au.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted
In this unit, late submissions will accepted as follows:
- Assessments 1, 2 and 3 - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
- Final exam - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted
Requirements to Pass this Unit
To pass this unit you must:
- Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Review Report | 10% | No | 13 Aug 2023 |
| Project for Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation | 30% | No | 1 Oct 2023 |
| GIS Modelling using Raster Data | 20% | No | 5 Nov 2023 |
| Final Exam | 40% | No | Exam period |
Literature Review Report
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 13 Aug 2023
Weighting: 10%
In this assignment, students are asked to conduct a literature review on a specific application of remote sensing.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate geographic information effectively using maps, reports and presentations
Project for Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: 1 Oct 2023
Weighting: 30%
This project brings together what students learned through lectures and practicals and applies remote sensing and its methods to an application nominated by students. Students will present their findings using both oral presentation and report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and implement a suitable model for environmental applications using remotely sensed data
- Demonstrate an understanding of the advantages and limitations of spatial analyses and remote sensing systems
- Communicate geographic information effectively using maps, reports and presentations
GIS Modelling using Raster Data
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 5 Nov 2023
Weighting: 20%
Students will undertake a multi-criteria analysis using GIS and gain experience with a range of GIS techniques on raster analyses and modelling for site selections.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate GIS raster analyses to derive useful information for making informed decisions
- Demonstrate an understanding of the advantages and limitations of spatial analyses and remote sensing systems
Final Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
Final exam covering the unit content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate GIS raster analyses to derive useful information for making informed decisions
- Design and implement a suitable model for environmental applications using remotely sensed data
- Communicate geographic information effectively using maps, reports and presentations
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lecture program
There is one lecture per week. Please check lecture timetable and room location at https://timetables.mq.edu.au Zoom link of lectures will be provided in iLearn page of the unit. The recordings of lectures will be made available via Echo360 after each class.
Practical program
There is one three-hour practical class from weeks 1 to 12 for ALL students. Please check prac timetable and location (including online session) at the Macquarie University Timetables website: https://timetables.mq.edu.au; Zoom links will be provided to the students enrolled in online classes. ESRI ArcGIS software is used in this unit. The software will be accessible via AppStream at https://mq.okta.com/ There is NO on-campus session.
Week 1 classes
Lecture and practical classes will start in week 1.
Method of communication
We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Topic |
| 1 | Introduction to the unit and recap |
| 2 | Fundamental of Remote Sensing |
| 3 | Spectral Indices |
| 4 | Classifications |
| 5 | Light Detection and Arranging (LiDAR) and applications |
| 6 | Radar (Microwave) Remote Sensing and applications Part 1 |
| 7 | Radar (Microwave) Remote Sensing and applications Part 2 |
| Break | |
| 8 | GIS Modelling – Site Selection |
| 9 | GIS Modelling – Bushfire Risk Modelling Part 1 |
| 10 | GIS Modelling – Bushfire Risk Modelling Part 2 |
| 11 | GIS Modelling – Bushfire Risk Modelling Part 3 |
| 12 | Outlook of Earth Observation Programs and Applications |
| 13 | Unit Summary |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
We value student feedback to be able to continually improve the way we offer our units. As such we encourage students to provide constructive feedback via student surveys, to the teaching staff directly, or via the FSE Student Experience & Feedback link in the iLearn page.
Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook