Current active course description (last updated 2024/25)
Remote Sensing in Nature Management
GEO5020
Current active course description (last updated 2024/25)
Remote Sensing in Nature Management
GEO5020
This course will introduce students to basic concepts in remote sensing, and how remote sensing can be a valuable tool to monitor natural resources. Student will be able to search for, interprete, and use remote sensing data to solve various challenges in nature management and research. Students will also obtain practical experience in operating unmanned aerial vehicles.
The course is based on data collected from various sensors (e.g. LIDAR, multispectral camera systems) in satellites, airplanes, and drones, and shows how such data can be processed and used within the field of nature management and research. The course emphasizes on data acquisition, analysis, and presentation using GIS tools. The University's own drone-borne sensors are used in field work.
The subject is reserved for students in the Master's program in Biological Sciences. Qualified single-course students may gain access if there is capacity (first come, first served). Please contact the academic advisor for further information.
Knowledge
The students will acquire:
- Advanced knowledge in remote sensing and GIS-based methods used in nature management.
- Insights into wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum that are important for nature management purposes.
- Thorough knowledge of data collection with sensors carried by drones, aircraft, and satellites.
Skills
- Independent use of GIS and remote sensing data in nature management and research.
- Select the appropriate remote sensing data for a given nature manangement or research challenge
- Work independently with theoretical and practical use of various sensors associated with drones, and implement operations with unmanned aerial vehicles in accordance with laws and regulations.
General competence:
- Apply knowledge and skills to solve various problems within nature management.
- Communicate knowledge to the general public and professionals about the use of remote sensing in nature management.
In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop computer at his disposal.
Elective
The teaching consists mainly of lectures and exercises, as well as project work. Exercises take place in the field and at GIS lab.
Evaluated annually by students through course surveys. These evaluations are included in the university’s quality assurance system.
Students will get the opportunity for practical experience with operating drones.
Compound assessment, grading scale Letter grades
- Compulsory participation. Approved/ Not approved.
- Oral examination, 30 minutes, comprises 40% of the grade, grading scale A-F.
- Take- home examination, individual, 10 days, comprises 60% of the grade, grading scale A-F.
Home exam: All aids are allowed.
Oral exam: The use of computer is allowed during the oral exam.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
Geographical information processing GEO220 or equivalent.
Course language
English
Credits
10
Study location
Steinkjer
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
Course coordinator
