451-405 Environmental Assessment in Geomatics

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this subject students should:

• have reviewed the key ecological principles and factors, and their relevance to the planning and development process;

• be able to show how these principles and factors can be assessed, to enable information to be carried forward into the planning and design stages;

• have the ability to derive environmental assessment techniques from an analysis of appropriate case studies and the literature;

• have confidence in dealing with a range of environmental problems and some understanding of the practical problems involved in implementing certain solutions.

Content:

The subject provides a bridge between the geomatics and environmental science disciplines. It includes a review of some key ecological principles and factors, their relevance to the land use and planning process and techniques for their assessment. Geology, geomorphology, soils, hydrology (including rivers and wetlands), a range of vegetation types (such as forest and grassland), fire and wildlife will each be examined in relation to planning and development. Included will be a consideration of climate and introductions to visual quality, and cultural and heritage issues. Brief examination of the evolution of assessment techniques and a review of current, pertinent environmental legislation is also included.

Assessment: