General information

Course type AMUPIE
Module title Exploring Biodiversity Using Gis (Geographic Information Systems)
Language English
Module lecturer dr Maciej Nowak, dr Paweł Bogawski
Lecturer's email mcnowak@amu.edu.pl
Lecturer position Asistant Professor
Faculty Faculty of Biology
Semester 2023/2024 (winter)
Duration 30
ECTS 4
USOS code 01-BIOGIS-PIE

Timetable

Schedule:
Lecture 1, Friday 27 October 2023 at 8.00 to 9.30, room A1, Faculty of Biology AMU
Lecture 2, Friday 10 November 2023 at 8.00 to 9.30, room A1,
Lecture 3, Friday 17 November 2023 at 8.00 to 9.30, room A1, 
Practical class 1, Friday 24 November 2023 at 8.00 to 10.15, room K2, Faculty of Biology AMU
Practical class 2, Friday 1 December 2023 at 8.00 to 10.15, room K2
Practical class 3, Friday 8 December 2023 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2
Practical class 4, Friday 15 December 2023 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2
Practical class 5, Friday 12 January 2024 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2
Practical class 6, Friday 19 January 2024 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2
Practical class 7, Friday 26 January 2024 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2
Practical class 8, Friday 2 February 2024 at 10.25 to 12.40, room K2

Module aim (aims)

To use open source GIS software in analysing biodiversity data• Access biodiversity databases and visualize their content on a map• Operate mobile devices and convert data collected in the field for computer works• Retrieve satellite images to show seasonal vegetation changes• Manipulate 3-dimensional laser scanning data and measure plant characteristics using remote sensing• Process different climatic, phenological, soil and other environmental data• Model current, past and future species distribution

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basic computer skills

Syllabus

Week 1: Necessity of using GIS in assessing biodiversity (lecture, 2h)Week 2: Introduction to digital mapping and GIS software (lecture, 2h)Week 3: Sources of environmental data for using in GIS (lecture, 2h)Week 4: Basics of manipulating data in GIS environment (computer workshops, 3h) Week 5: Collecting of biological data using mobile devices in the field and conversion to computer-friendly format (field and computer workshops, 3h)Week 6: Practical guide for retrieving spatial data from Web sources (computer workshop, 3h)Week 7: Manipulating climatic and biological station/point data (computer workshop, 3h)Week 8: Working with satellite images (computer workshop, 3h)Week 9: Current and future species distribution modelling (computer workshop, 3h)Week 10: Laser scanning data as a valuable source of environmental/biotic information (computer workshop, 3h) Week 11: Review of knowledge acquired and discussion (computer workshop, 3h)

Reading list

Global Biodiversity Database: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): https://www.gbif.org/ GIS software tutorials:QGIS tutorials: (1) http://www.qgistutorials.com/en/ (2) https://docs.qgis.org/2.18/en/docs/training_manual/index.htmlArcGIS tutorials: (1) https://learn.arcgis.com/en/ (2) http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/main/get-started/arcgis-tutorials.htm Wang K. et al 2010. Remote Sensing of Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation: A Review from the Perspective of Remote Sensing Specialists. Sensors 10, 9647-9667; doi:10.3390/s101109647United Nations 2000. Handbook on geographic information systems and digital mapping. New YorkWilson J.P., Fotheringham A.S. 2008. The Handbook of Geographic Information Science. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-4051-0796-9