Recent Question/Assignment

GEOG 1004 GIS FIELD CAMP
GEOG 8722 GIS FIELD PRACTICE
2014,
GUIDLINDES, PROCEDURES & ITINERARY
School of the Environment
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
22nd – 26th September
Beltana Station, Flinders Ranges
C:Workspacefild0002WorkTeachingTopicsGEOG
GEOG1004_8722_final.doc
Welcome to the GIS Field Camp/Practice Topic, GEOG 1004/8722
Introduction
The topic is primarily an intensively taught field camp located in a remote area of the Flinders Ranges (or similar area) to instruct students in field techniques relevant to the collection of spatial information. In the case of GIS applications, field data and capture techniques are primarily concerned with measuring both location and attributes of objects. For Remote Sensing, the primary concern is building a relationship between information recorded by a remote platform and characteristics of real world phenomenon/objects.
The GIS field camp is designed to integrate some of the theoretical concepts gained in any introductory GIS/RS topics as well as introduce students to a range of field data capture techniques and navigation. Students will gain practical skills in the collection and analysis of field data for GIS and Remote Sensing analysis and verification.
Topic Objectives
Students will complete activities in field mapping, surveying and vegetation surveys, including data collection using differential GPS and general map reading/navigation and interpretation skills. The camp emphasizes the importance of field data and their collection methods necessary for GIS/RS analysis. Moreover, GIS and RS analysis is not armchair geography and an understanding and appreciation of the environment and geographic extent in which the analysis is undertaken is an important factor in the spatial analysis process.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Students successfully completing the topic should be able to:
• Undertake a range of field mapping techniques relevant to spatial information systems
• Successfully use a surveying instrument to survey land surface and features
• Successfully use various Global Positioning Systems technologies to survey land surface and features
• Successfully quantify environmental condition/change in the field
• Analyse field data using GIS and interpret the results of that analysis
Supervisors
Stephen Fildes (Topic Coordinator/ Camp Leader), Room 325 SSN
Phone: 8201 2321
E-mail: stephen.fildes@flinders.edu.au
Robert Keane, Room 208 SSN
Phone: 8201 2665
E-mail: robert.keane@flinders.edu.au
Location
This year the GIS Field Camp will be located at Beltana Station in the Flinders Ranges, approximately 500 km north of Adelaide (130 km north of Hawker). We will be accommodated in the shearers’ quarters adjacent to the Beltana Homestead where we will conduct much of our work. Field activities will be undertaken in and around the Station including the historic town of Beltana and north of the Station around the Leigh Creek area.
When
The camp will be held during the mid-semester 2 break (September 22 – 26). We will also meet each fortnight (four times) before the camp, commencing in Week 2 of Semester 2. These will be important meetings/lectures that will prepare you adequately for the camp and the work that will be undertaken. We will also meet at least twice after the camp for a camp de-brief and to assist with camp assignments. See the Timetable section below for details.
Meals
All meals are provided apart from Monday lunch and Friday lunch, when students will be expected to bring their own food and drink or buy lunch at a roadhouse on the journey, to and from Adelaide. Persons with special dietary needs must state these needs on the attached form. With the exception of the BBQ on the final evening, all evening meals will be prepared and provided by Beltana Station. Breakfast and Lunch on each day will be prepared with the assistance of students as part of a roster system but the preparation will be supervised by University staff.
Accommodation at Beltana
The Beltana Shearers’ Quarters are fitted with separate male and female toilets and showers. There are 3 self contained male showers and 2 toilets and 1 self contained female shower and 1 toilet. Each bed/bunkroom contains a different number of beds and bed types, including a mix of double beds and double-bunks. They are large bed/bunkrooms that will typically accommodate up to 2 - 3 persons in each room. There is heating in each bed/bunkroom for those cold nights. The kitchen is fully equipped with all required utensils. The main common/dining room is where we will meet and conduct our workshops and lectures.
Beltana Station is a working sheep and cattle station managed and owned by Graham and Laura Ragless. Graeme and Laura will be keeping a respectful but watchful eye on our activities and are likely to listen in on one or more of our nightly workshops/lectures. They are passionate pastoralists and care about your safety, the environment and the facilities and accommodation they provide. Strict rules therefore apply to use these facilities and how we will operate and conduct our selves within and around the station. An OH&S induction, including the use of the facilities will be conducted on Monday afternoon shortly after our arrival.
Attendance
All students must attend and participate in all camp activities and camp lectures/workshops, including four 1 hour meetings/lectures prior to the camp and two 2 hour post camp meetings/workshops conducted at the University. The post-field camp meetings/workshops will allow students to be involved and obtain assistance in the downloading and editing of survey data collected in the field, analysis of data, map production and 3D visualisation.
Topic Timetable
Week 2: (week commencing August 4)
Thursday, August 7: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room 242 SSN
Meeting/Lecture 1: Topic Introduction
Week 4: (week commencing August 18)
Thursday, August 21: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room 242 SSN
Meeting/Lecture 2: Field Methods Part A
Week 6: (week commencing September 1)
Thursday, September 4: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room 242 SSN
Meeting/Lecture 3: Field Methods Part B
Week 8: (week commencing September 15)
Thursday, September 18: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room 242 SSN
Meeting/Lecture 4: Map Reading and Navigation; Final Camp Briefing
Week 1 of the Semester 2 break - Camp Week: (week commencing September 22)
Monday to Friday, September 22 – 26. Meet lower level Carpark 4, 7.30 am sharp
See Camp Program below
Week 9: (week commencing October 6)
Thursday, October 9: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room TBA
Computer Lab 1: Spatial Data Management / Analysis
Week 11: (week commencing October 20)
Thursday, October 23: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room TBA
Computer Lab 2: Spatial Data Management / Analysis
Week 13: (week commencing November 3)
Thursday, November 6: 2:00 – 2:50pm, Room TBA
Computer Lab 3: (If Required)
Assessment Summary
GEOG 1004
Research Report: 2000 words (or equiv.) due 1pm 5/09/14 20 %
Field Camp Report & Map
GEOG 8722 3000 words (or equiv.), due 1pm 31/10/14 80 %
Research Report: 2000 words (or equiv.) due 1pm 5/09/14 20 %
Field Camp Report & Map 3000 words (or equiv.), due 1pm 31/10/14 60 %
Essay: 2000 words (or equiv.), due 1pm 7/11/14 20 %
All work to be submitted via FLO for marking.
Please note that if you are having trouble submitting your assignment via FLO or you do not receive an e-mail confirming your assignment submission, please contact the
FLO Student Help Desk via the ‘Help and Support’ link in FLO or by calling (08) 8201
5378 or 1800 200 292 (if outside the metro area) or by emailing flo.students@flinders.edu.au
Assessment in Detail
Research Report
Fundamental to any successful spatial analysis project is researching and obtaining knowledge about the phenomenon under observation (the subject) and its environment and geographical extent. Consequently, prior to the camp students will report on each of the areas listed below in a research paper. The emphasis of your research paper is to briefly summarize your investigations into each area but students should choose at least one area to expand on and provide more detail.
? The Natural Environment of the Flinders Ranges
- Geology/soils and formation; Flora and fauna; Climate/Rainfall
? Indigenous History
- Adnyamathanha (Wailpi) and Kujani people
? Economic History
- Mining; Pastoral; Tourism
? Pastoral history of Beltana and Puttupa Stations
? European history – The township of Beltana
Field Camp Report
The Field Camp Report will include a description of the methods and results of the exercises undertaken at Beltana Station. This includes description of the methods and results for the
? surveying exercise
? LIDAR exercise
? GPS exercise (Beltana and Leigh Creek)
? plant cover sampling
? interpretation of imagery in relation to site data collected – see below.
As part of your field camp report, choose one of the activities below and discuss its relevance to one or more of the subject areas detailed in your initial research report and the importance of field observations/data to this activity.
1) Classification of the different vegetation communities at Beltana.
2) Interpretation of satellite imagery in relation to variation in cover and photosynthetic activity (ie. identification of grazing effects from satellite imagery).
3) Identification and interpretation of change in vegetation from available satellite images.
4) Identification and prediction of areas vulnerable to soil erosion.
5) Geo/Orthorectification of image data.
Map Production and 3D Visualisation
Each student will produce a locality map showing the ‘activities’ undertaken at Beltana Station that will form part of their Field Camp Report. It is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure they have obtained the necessary data for their analysis and/or map. Data for your map will be obtained on camp where map production will commence. Data will be collected each day and your map/database should be updated each evening. The format of your map will be discussed on camp, including data requirements and any 3D visualization.
Essay (GEOG8722 Students Only)
In addition to the field camp report, GEOG8722 students will submit a short essay (2000 words) on relevant field sampling techniques and problems in sampling for one of the following environments.
? Arid/Semi-arid environments
? Tropical/temperate forests
? Agricultural environments
? Urban environments
The emphasis should be on sampling to assist in GIS analysis and/or image interpretation.
Camp Program
Monday 22nd September
7:30am sharp All meet at the ground level Carpark 4 (adjacent SSN)
8:00am Depart in bus and 4WD to Flinders Ranges
4:30pm Expected arrival time at Beltana Station
5:00pm - 6:30pm OH&S Site Induction; group allocation
6:30pm – 7:30pm Evening meal
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Lecture/workshop: Image Classification and Vegetation Indices; Map reading theory review; First aid
9:00pm – 9:30pm Preparation for next day field activities (All Groups)
9:30pm – retirement Kitchen/dinning room clean-up if required (Group A)
Tuesday 23rd September
6:30am Rise, prep for breakfast & lunch (Group A); all students to make individual breakfast & lunch
7:30am – 1:00pm Field Exercise 1: Map reading/orienteering
1:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch (in the field)
2:00pm – 5:00pm Field Exercise 2: Vegetation survey for Remote Sensing (site 1)
5:00pm – 6:30pm Download and collate all field data and observations (All groups)
6:30pm – 7:30pm Evening meal
8:30pm – retirement Kitchen/dinning room clean-up if required (Group B)
Wednesday 24th September
7:00am Rise, prep for breakfast & lunch (Group B); make individual breakfast & lunch
8:30pm – 9:30pm Lecture/ Workshop: Geo-rectification and overlay field data
9:30am – 1:00pm Field Exercise 3: Groups A&B – GPS survey of Beltana town Field Exercise 4: Groups C&D – Theodolite and LIDAR data capture of cemetery and ruin
1:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch
2:00pm – 5:00pm Field Exercise 3: Groups C&D – GPS survey of Beltana town
Field Exercise 4: Groups A&B –Theodolite and LIDAR data capture of cemetery and ruin
5:00pm – 6:30pm Download/upload field data (All groups)
6:30pm – 7:30pm Evening meal
8:00pm – 9:00pm Lecture/ Workshop: Ortho-rectification; scale and measurements from aerial photographs; and overlay field data
9:00pm – retirement Kitchen/dinning room clean-up if required (Group C)
Thursday 25th September
7:00am Rise, prep for breakfast & lunch (Group C); make individual breakfast & lunch
8:30am – 1:30pm Field Exercise 5: Leigh Creek Mine visit
1:30pm – 2:30pm Lunch (and possibly quandong pie!)
2:30pm – 5:00pm Field Exercise 6: Vegetation survey for Remote Sensing (site 2)
5:00pm – 6:00pm Download/upload field data (All groups)
6:00pm – 6:30pm Preparation of evening meal – BBQ (Group D)
6:30pm – 7:30pm Evening meal
7:30pm – 8:30pm Kitchen/dinning room clean-up and preparation to return to
Adelaide (All Groups)
Friday 26th September
7:00am Rise, prep for breakfast (Group D)
7:30am – 8:30am Cleanup (All groups)
8:30am Depart for Adelaide
5:00pm Expected arrival time at Flinders University
Personal Equipment Checklist
You will need to bring:
- All linen is provided, but if you prefer your own sleeping bag/blankets & pillow, then bring them along
- A light day-pack (for carrying lunch, raincoat, jumper and water when walking)
- 3 litres of water in water bottles or plastic coke containers
- Long sleeve shirts and trousers
- Wide brim hat, not a baseball hat
- Sunscreen cream
- Appropriate walking boots as described
- Spare sandshoes
- Toiletries and towel
- Money for the Monday/Friday lunches (if you purchase lunch)
- Notepad, pencil, pens, calculator and camera (if you have one) - Small Torch
- Raincoat, jumper and coat (it may rain or become cold at night). Note: September can be quite windy
Do not bring:
- A suitcase (use soft carry bags or rucksack)
- Knives or any other dangerous items
- First Aid kits (standard and remote area University first aid kits will be provided – we are legally required to use these approved kits)
Occupational Health and Safety
Clothing
The weather is likely to be unpredictable and you are reminded to bring clothing for all likely events (heat, rain and/or cold). You will also need strong walking boots with good ankle support, no steel caps. These should be worn when outdoors at all times. If you are buying new boots for the occasion, they need to be well-worn in by the time of the field camp.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol is allowed but under restrictions. Please only bring a limited amount of alcohol with you, there is not enough room. Beer drinkers, please use cans. You are also reminded that school policy states, “All persons involved in field activities have a responsibility to ensure that they are not, through the consumption of alcohol or a drug, in such a state as to endanger their own safety or the safety of others.” In a hot semi-arid environment where the activities can become quite physical, you are also reminded that you will need to severely limit the imbibing of any substances. Note: the consumption of alcohol or other drug is forbidden in all forms of University activities.
Illicit drugs
Illicit!
Smoking
Smoking inside any building at the camp site or university vehicle is strictly forbidden. For those that do smoke, please be mindful of others who do not.
Medication
While this information will remain confidential, you must reveal any medical conditions, allergies and medication you are taking to the topic convener using the form attached below. Failure to do so shifts the insurance liability, if an emergency arises, back onto you.
Rules Associated with Field Operations
The semi-arid environments of Australia can be hostile and dangerous. Therefore at all times in the field you must keep strictly to directions made by Flinders University staff, Park staff or the Station Manager(s) and abide by rules under OH&S.
1. Field Trip Leaders are responsible for participants and for ensuring that appropriate guidance and supervision is maintained for the duration of the field trip, including during free time.
2. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
3. You must not wander off and leave the company of others without permission from a supervisor.
4. However, if you are lost you must remain where you are in nearby shade and call out for others. Do not move even if you remain there overnight.
5. You must wear a long-sleeve shirt, wide brim hat, walking boots, sunscreen cream and carry a torch and sufficient amount of water with you when outdoors.
6. It is inadvisable to allow any person to work alone in a remote area. If deemed necessary for a person to work alone, a system must be put into place requiring the person to check in regularly with another person.
7. In case of an injury or an emergency, only staff or a nominated person (nominated on the Monday afternoon) may carry out first aid and take charge of the emergency situation. You must respond to this person’s directions in this case.
8. Basic first aid, the use of first aid kits, dealing with snake bite, superficial wounds, sprains or breaks will be covered on the Monday afternoon. Staff who have current first aid qualifications will be nominated as the preferred proponents of CPR on patients. Patients with upper leg breaks, severe chest or head injuries, suspected back injuries, heat stroke, suspected heart attack, snake bite or people who are unconscious will not be moved from the field site and help and advice will instead be sought from the police or emergency services. All injuries other than minor abrasions and bruises will require a visit to the nearest medical facility at Leigh Creek.
9. If people are late arriving back from an activity by more than 1 hour, the supervisor will initiate a search of the area with the advice and assistance from the Station Manager. This process must not be initiated by a student. Should an initial search of the area not be successful, University/park staff or the station manager will notify police who will initiate a full search and rescue operation.
10. Appropriate communication devices will be made available to staff. One student in each group will also be shown how to use a UHF radio should that group supervisor become unable to use it. These radios have considerable coverage in the area we will be operating.
11. Students are not permitted to drive vehicles unless directed by a supervisor and only in an emergency.
12. Smokers must use a sealed metal container to store all ash and cigarette butts on the Station.
13. Smoking is not permitted in or immediately around buildings at Beltana or in any government or University vehicle.
14. All vehicles will be fitted with a first aid kit and supervisors will carry field first aid kits.
15. All accidents and injuries will be reported by the supervisor in accordance with University OH&S policies.
16. Volunteers and visitors participating in field trips have the same rights and obligations as staff and students to contribute to the provision of a safe environment and to abide by policies, procedures and rules pertaining to the field trip.
Beltana Station Rules
1. Always carry a UHF radio or Next G mobile phone.
2. Stick to tracks to the best of your ability.
3. The ruins on the property are to be viewed from a distance.
4. There are many interesting things. Please leave where you find them (take photos instead).
5. Water is a must when traveling – always carry 20lt or more.
6. Maximum speed limit is 70 km ph.
7. Wear a seat belt at all times.
8. Wildlife/livestock is to be left alone – give way when possible.
9. Do not run over the black piping around the property – this is for livestock watering.
10. Please leave all gates as you find them.
11. When on-coming vehicles are approaching, slow to 40 km ph.

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