207-203 Techniques of Resource Assessment

This subject introduces the student to surveying, basic land survey methodology and instruments, and field experience. This will involve soil, plant and animal surveys on a catchment scale.

The subject will introduce techniques such as:

• map reading, field surveying and global positioning systems;

• soil, plant and animal surveys, and tree and forest measurement;

• land capability assessment;

• data-loggers, remote sensing, photogrammetry and GIS;

• GIS; remote sensing and;

• appropriate sampling and analysis strategies.

On completion of this subject the students should be able to:

• understand the basic principles of mapping and performing land surveys;

• describe the major techniques available to evaluate land and biological resources;

• observe, sample and record data in field situations;

• interpret results from the use of such techniques; and

• understand how to apply them in a natural resource management context.

A three-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), one major assignment (up to 2000 words, 20%) and three practical reports (each up to 1000 words, each 10%).