Environmental Sensing for Real World Geomorphological Challenges

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Appreciate the geomorphological functioning of an Earth system through the application and processing of high resolution process/form data
• Plan and deploy state of the art geomatic survey equipment for monitoring dynamic environments
• Work to a project brief set by an external client and deliver a report pertinent to their requirements.
• Work in groups to collect, process and analyse large volumes of complex data.
• Present complex ideas and data using high quality graphics in reports and in oral presentations

The course can be split into three key components:

1. The module is front loaded with lectures and practical sessions which seek to introduce the theory behind and practical use of, environmental sensing equipment. This includes introductions to: differential GPS, Terrestrial Laser Scanning and use of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles. The background lectures are supplemented by hands-on practical sessions which will allow students to practice using the equipment and also process the resulting data using specialist software and tools. Material will also be presented to underpin the science behind the geomorphological system of interest.

2. Students will design and undertake fieldwork to collect the data required for them address the client geomorphological challenge. The field data collection will be supported by data processing sessions and drop-in surgeries. Teams will ultimately prepare to deliver a presentation outlining the fieldwork methods and data processing.

3. Finally, individuals will continue to work towards the main report which addresses the brief and which is individually submitted. The report write up is supported by seminars and lectures outlining how to produce publication quality figures and plots.

Lectures: The module will be front loaded with lectures which outline:

• ‘The geomorphological challenge’ – scope and commercial aspect of the designated problem given by the ‘client’.
• The scientific background to the geomorphology of the proposed challenge.
• An introduction to a range of innovative techniques, both data acquisition and processing, which groups could chose to explore in their development of a solution.

Practical seminars: Supporting the lectures will be a series of ‘hands-on’ practical classes aimed at developing skills in deployment of specialist equipment and associated processing methods.

Team planning meetings: Formal fieldwork planning sessions will involve the team and support staff meeting with the course convenor to discuss progress, ideas and problems. This is your opportunity to get feedback on your ideas as you go and as such the assumption is made that you will be meeting regularly between these formal meetings to progress your geomorphological challenge solution

Field work: Teams will have the opportunity to test their ideas in the field following the development of a theoretical concept. All of the teams will be given the opportunity to collect data using their proposed solution at the client’s field site. This will provide a final set of data from which you can refine and adjust your proposed solution as appropriate for submission in the client report.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.