Highlights
Description of Assignment
Your task in this assignment is to critically assess the effectiveness of GIS techniques and related technologies for the analysis of environmental factors influencing a site. The case study to be used for this is Fanshawe Gate Farm. Further background information on this site can be found on the Blackboard site.
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of GIS you will need to apply techniques covered in this module. The techniques listed below are a minimum that must be included in your report. However, it is anticipated that you will include additional techniques.
Topographic Mapping
In order to put the site in context and to understand the general environmental conditions that the site experiences you need to produce a topographic map of the area. You should then derive from this information on slope and aspect.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
The first stage in the ecological evaluation of a site is typically to produce a phase1 habitat survey map. You will be given guidance on the technique in the sessions. You should also use aerial photographic analysis to help in mapping some features.
Detailed Vegetation Mapping
As should become apparent from the above tasks the north-westerly field is quite varied, both topographically and in terms of vegetation. In order to investigate this variation further you will gather data on the distribution of selected indicator species across the field. You are required to use the raster analysis facilities in ArcGIS to map the distribution of species across this field.
Interpretation of GIS outputs
Having presented the GIS techniques, you need to show how the results are interpreted. It is recognised that you have a limited background in ecology and that this will therefore restrict the analysis that you can undertake. Some examples of what you might include are given below.
It is very rarely possible to gather climatic data on an individual site. Normally it necessary to extrapolate from weather stations by looking at differences in altitude etc. The nearest weather station to the site is at Western Park in Sheffield. You are not required to undertake detailed extrapolations but use the topographic data to consider how conditions might differ to those at the weather station.
Compare the topographic mapping with that of species and habitats. To what extent might this topographic variation influence the patterns of species distribution that you have mapped?
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of GIS techniques
The final part of the assessment is to evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques that you have used. What advantages do such techniques offer and what are the disadvantages? What sources of error and uncertainty exist and how can these be dealt with?
The data collection may be done in groups. However, you must submit an individual report.
Some of the data collection for this assignment will be done in the taught sessions although it is possible that you will want to visit the site outside of the contact time. The owner, Mr Rosser, is happy for you to visit. If you see anyone on site please introduce yourself and explain that you are from Sheffield Hallam University. Remember that it is a working farm so please leave gates as you find them, do not climb walls or disturb livestock. There is parking on the site but please be aware that there is a caravan club site on the farm and that people have paid to be there. Do not park close to caravans and try not to disturb the caravaners.
Further information for this assignment can be found on the Blackboard site.
Learning Outcomes
Select and apply GIS techniques for the analysis of environmental data and critically interpret the outputs of such analyses
Critically evaluate strategies for the collection of environmental data
Draw on current research and academic publications to make informed decisions where complex circumstances may exist
Produce work to a professional standard that will enhance understanding of the subject by a range of audiences
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