GIS and spatial analysis with R
Course description
The course aims to introduce students to GIS (geographical information systems), and how to understand, manipulate and analyse spatial data in the using the R environment. Across three modules, we will cover the basics of GIS using R, including importing, manipulating and combining spatial data. We will work with both vector and raster data, and try to cover many of the common processing functions available in ArcGIS and QGIS.
Course facts
P000102, GIS and spatial analysis with R, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Biology, Environmental Assesment, Forest Management, Agricultural Science
Grading Scale
One-grade scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The course aims to introduce students to GIS (geographical information systems), and how to understand, manipulate and analyse spatial data in the using the R environment. The idea is that students can then integrate spatial data into their analytical workflow.
**Learning outcomes: **
After completing the course, students should:
- Have a basic knowledge of GIS, including vector and raster data, coordinate systems, and the role of GIS in research and society.
- Confidently work with vector data. This includes basic import, manipulation and combining of data, as well as performing common tasks such as overlay analysis, creating spatial buffers, calculating areas and distances, and plotting thematic maps.
- Confidently work with raster data. This includes basic importing and manipulation of data, as well as performing common tasks such as summarizing environmental data, performing overlay analysis (raster calculation), interpolation and plotting.
Be able to work with both raster and vector data to perform ecological or environmental analyses, and use base-R’s loop and *apply functions to repeat functions across large datasets.
Content
The course will start with a short introductory lecture and workshop. This will include an introduction to the course and the basics of GIS (learning outcome 1), and students and teacher will get to know each other and the structure of the course will be explained. Thereafter the content will be split across three modules, which will roughly cover learning outcomes 2-4. In each module, the students will be given some learning materials and a task to complete. Students will have the opportunity to communicate online among themselves and with the course leader using asynchronous tools while working on each module, before a class-wide 3h workshop where students will discuss the assignments, work on additional tasks, and get help and advice regarding their own data.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
To receive course credits, students are required to have completed all individual exercises and played an active part in all workshops.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Ecology
Supplementary information
Other Information
Online learning materials will be distributed during the course.
Course wil take place in November-December 2024 (4 meetings: 4/11, 19/11, 4/12 & 18/12)
Depending on those who apply to the course, the four meetings will take place in-person in Ultuna AND/OR online for those who aren’t able to travel.