Applied geomatics - Partim B

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

Content

1. Table of contents
The course consists of four complementary modules:

• Concepts and methods of geographic information systems (GIS)
• Elements of digital cartography
• Concepts and methods of airborne and spaceborne remote sensing
• Practical exercises using professional softwares for both GIS and digital image processing of satellite remote sensing.

2. Additional information
The sub-course LBIRE2102S is intended for students enrolled in the European Master in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management (SAIV-GEM), co-organized by the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering.
The sub-course LBIRE2102U of the course LBIRE2102 Applied Geomatics is intended for students in urban planning and territorial development and includes the Geographic Information Systems and Elements of Cartography modules, along with their accompanying practical exercises.
The sub-course LBIRE2102C of the course LBIRE2102 Applied Geomatics corresponds to the entire course except for the part of the practical exercises concerning the processing of spaceborne remote sensing images.
The sub-course LBIRE2102D of the course LBIRE2102 Applied Geomatics corresponds to the part of the practical exercises concerning the processing of spaceborne remote sensing images. This sub-course LBIRE2102D has sub-course LBIRE2102C as a prerequisite, which it complements to correspond to the complete LBIRE2102 course.
The course LBIRE2101 is part of the University Certificate in Applied Geomatics organized by the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering as part of UCLouvain's continuing education program, intended for individuals already engaged in professional life.

Teaching methods

The course follows an inductive approach, starting from the geomatics services that have become part of our everyday lives (geolocation, web services, online mapping, the Copernicus service, etc.) across various sectors of activity (territorial development, natural resources, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, etc.) as systems for monitoring, reporting, decision support, or forecasting. Starting from the students' observations, the course introduces the basic concepts of geographic information systems (GIS), digital cartography, and satellite earth observation, along with the underlying hypotheses and theories, as well as the associated methods of geospatial data processing and multi-criteria analysis.
The aim is to make learners autonomous and critical in their use of geospatial data (cartographic data, GPS surveys, and satellite imagery), in their use of methods for processing and analyzing this data, and in the design of operational applications. Through hands-on learning of professional image-processing software and geographic information systems, students concretely apply the concepts and methods covered in the course to work with geospatial databases, interpret satellite images, and produce a cartographic document.

Evaluation methods

The assessment of learning outcomes for the complete course, as well as for its various forms (sub-courses C, D, S, and U), covers two components, both of which must be passed. Only if both the computer-lab practical exercise examination and the oral examination are passed can the two grades be combined, each then counting for 50% of the final grade. The oral examination may also include a written component. For students enrolled in the complete course LBIRE2101, the assessment of practical exercises includes the personal production of a map.
The use of artificial intelligence is not permitted for the assessment of learning outcomes in this course.

Other information

The theoretical and practical learning outcomes of this course are drawn upon in numerous courses belonging to various master's programs across different faculties.
This course is also part of the University Certificate in Applied Geomatics, available to professionals as part of a continuing education program.
The course may be taught in English.

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

The oral lecture, the lecture slides, and the practical exercise materials constitute the required teaching materials for this course. The lecture slides and practical exercise materials are available on the course's Moodle page. Additional resources (reference works, documents, internet links) are also recommended there.

Teaching materials

• No paid reference textbook needs to be purchased for this course.

Faculty or entity

> AGRO