FNE2101 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing II

The major purpose of this course is to apply basic knowledge of GIS and Remote Sensing towards solving and understanding real world issues with major focus on Environmental and Natural Resource Management. It is important that the student must have passed FNE 1203 (Foundation GIS) as there will be little time to review introductory GIS concepts and methods. Laboratory practicals will familiarize students with GIS tools to the degree where students completing the course should be able to conduct their own analysis arising from field work using GIS. Lab sessions will go beyond software training and are intended to provide students with a method for addressing scientific and societal interests. The main tasks include: working with remotely sensed data, image processing, spatial data analysis, scripts and functions. Course activities will culminate in a final project to be prepared by each student with the help of the instructor or teaching assistant.

Course objectives
By the end of the course unit, students will be able to;

• Explain GIS concepts, terminologies, applications, trends, and pertinent issues of GIS and remote sensing, including cartography.
• Describe how GIS as a tool is applied in various fields with major focus on Environmental and Natural Resource Management.
• Gain confidence in handling new problems, processing, analyzing and visualizing of data to aid decision-making.
• Provide an opportunity to improve existing skills in GIS and Remote Sensing.
• Prepare diverse data collection schemes for designing a solution maps.
• Describe studies under which GIS and Remote Sensing technology is implemented using different GIS software frameworks.
• Develop critical thinking in solving geospatial problems.
• Explain the value of applications of GIS as applied in various fields.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, the student should demonstrate capacity to:

• Apply information about advanced GIS and Remote Sensing concepts and terminologies to practical management of natural resources. 
• Use GIS and Remote Sensing processes and apply skills of spatial data analysis for effective decision making about in natural resources based on scientific evidence. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of how GIS and Remote Sensing technology is used in management of natural resources in conjunction with GIS derived scientific data to address a spatial issue of societal interest.
• Use skills gained in GIS and remote sensing to conduct research and report writing.  
• Construct solution maps from a variety of datasets with a view of aiding decision making.
• Evaluate criteria for use and implementing GIS and Remote Sensing technology using GIS software frameworks.
• Use skills acquired through GIS and remote sensing to aiding decision making about natural resources management.
• Articulate the value of use of GIS in problem solving and decision making in natural resources management.