Applied geomatics

Teacher(s)

Defourny Pierre;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Basics in statistics.
Complementary courses: LBIRE2106 Topométrie et photogrammétrie, LBRAT2102 Modélisation spatiale des dynamiques territoriales.

Main themes

The Applied Geomatics course includes a professional introduction to geographical information systems, cartography and satellite remote sensing both in terms of concepts and methods as well as practical use for operational applications in the field of bio-engineering specializations, urban planning and environmental specialists.
The concepts, methods and tools are explained by ex-cathedra teaching and applied in the labs activities.  They cover:
- geographical information systems and fundamental methods of spatial analysis,
- basics in mapping and digital cartography,
- remote sensing of terrestrial surfaces based on their electromagnetic properties and the radiative transfer, with a particular focus on discrimination and the monitoring of vegetation,
- Earth observation by airborne systems and different types of satellites, including radar.
- principles and methods in digital image processing of images and time series analysis

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	a. Contribution of this activity to the AA reference (program AA) M1.1., M2.1., M4.4., M4.5 b. Specific formulation for this training activity of program At the end of the course LBIRE2102, students are able to: -       thoroughly understand concepts and methods in geomatics applied to agricultural systems, study and management of natural resources, land use planning and the environment in general; -       mobilize methods of collection, analysis and representation of spatial data and satellite remote sensing images; -       master professional software for geographical information system (GIS) and for image processing in satellite remote Sensing; -       carry out the conceptual analysis of a problem, design and implement a solution including the collection, organization and processing of georeferenced data; -       understand the technological developments in the field of geomatics applied to the fields of bioengineers.

Content

1.    Contents
The course consists of four complementary modules:
- Concepts and methods in geographical information systems (GIS)
- Basics in digital cartography
- Concepts and methods of airborne and satellite remote sensing
- Practical work mobilizing professional software for both GIS and image processing in remote sensing.
2. Additional explanation
  This course also belongs to the Certificate in Applied Geomatics organized in the framework of the UCLouvain continuing education program for people already involved in professional life.
The part A of the Applied Geomatics course is designed for students in urban planning and includes only the modules in geographical information systems and basics in digital cartography as well as the corresponding labs.
The part B of the Applied Geomatics course corresponds to the whole course except the satellite image processing labs.
Students registered in the Agricultural Geomatics module of the LBRAI2221 course follow part of the lecture (10h) and part of the practical work (6h).

Teaching methods

The teaching is based on an inductive approach which starts from the geomatics services which have invaded our daily life (geolocation, web services, online mapping, etc.) in different sectors of activity (monitoring system, forecasting system, reporting, etc.) to then deepen the basic concepts, assumptions and methods of analysis. The objective is to make the learner autonomous and critical in the use of geomatics data and tools as well as in the design and implementation of operational applications. Through the learning of professional software in satellite image processing and geographic information system, the student mobilizes concrete concepts and methods covered in class to exploit geographical databases (GIS), conduct all steps of satellite images interpretation and produce a cartographic output.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation criteria are: knowledge and in-depth understanding of the concepts and methods, capability of conceptual analysis of a real-life problem and computer skills using several professional software.

Other information

This course is part of the Certificate in Applied Geomatics accessible to professionals as part of continuing training.
The theoretical knowledge and practical of this course are mobilized in many other courses in different programs and different faculties.
This course can be given in English.

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

Les diapositives du cours magistral constituant le support de cours comme les documents de travaux pratiques sont disponibles en ligne pour les étudiants.  Des ressources complémentaires sont également recommandées (ouvrages de référence, documents, liens internet).

Faculty or entity

AGRO