Exploring Biodiversity Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Timetable

24 H classes + 6 H lecture = 30 H

All the classes will be held at the Faculty of Biology, AMU, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań

Date	Hour	Classes	Room	Lecturer
13.11.2026	08:00-09:30	Lecture	A	dr P. Bogawski
Friday
20.11.2026	09:45-11:15	Lecture	A	dr P. Bogawski
Friday
27.11.2026	09:45-11:15	Lecture	A	dr P. Bogawski
Friday	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
04.12.2026	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
11.12.2026	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
18.12.2026	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
08.01.2027	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
15.01.2027	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
22.01.2027	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski
Friday
29.01.2027 Friday	12:15-14:30	Computer workshop	S2 KOMPUTEROWA	dr hab. M. Nowak, dr P. Bogawski

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