FOR 2285

Subject: GIS and Forestry
Course No. and Title:

FOR 2285 - GIS in Forestry I
Credit Value:

Three (3) credit hours
Course Description:

For 2285, like its For 1285 prerequisite course, emphasizes learning GIS through forestry application using an inventory of the UNB Woodlot. In the case of For 2285, however, the emphasis is on exposing the advanced geoprocessing capabilities of ArcGIS, and developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Here's a short list of geoprocessing operations you'll see in the course:

  •     reclassifying features using thematic or locational attributes
  •     forming forest patches by dissolving boundaries between features
  •     buffering features with fixed and variable widths, and multiple rings
  •     overlaying features (including polygon-on-polygon, polygon-on-line, and polygon-on-point)
  •     merging features, geographically coincident and adjacent
  •     joining tables by the location of features (spatial join)
  •     using VB (Visual Basic) scripts in field calculations
  •     building forest surfaces from LiDAR data
  •     calculating neighbourhood (focal) and zonal statistics
  •     performing map algebra
  •     calculating a viewshed
  •     delineating a watershed

 
Prerequisite:

A working knowledge of ArcGIS 10.x. For 1285 or equivalent. A basic knowledge of forestry terminology and data is helpful, but not essential.
Course Author:

Glen Jordan, RPF
Course Features:

You don't have to own a copy of ArcGIS; a student version is provided upon request, and may be installed on your personal computer.
Course Format:

The course is delivered online via UNB's course delivery system (Desire2Learn). You'll complete a series of instructional modules and associated exercises, assignments, and quizzes using a web browser and ArcGIS 10.x on a computer running Windows, at home, at work, or at UNB. The course concludes with a three-hour online exam.

Course Texts: None
Assignments & Exam:

The course is comprised of three lessons, each with a series of three to four lab exercises. The lessons include - Forest Analysis, Forest Harvesting, and Forest Values.

Forest Analysis introduces forest reclassification and characterizing concepts and broadly applicable geoprocessing methods. Forest Harvesting and Forest Values, on the other hand, are theme-based lessons that employ the array of forest analysis techniques introduced in Forest Analysis.

Each of the three lessons involves a series of scripted lab exercises (11 all told), with a quiz following each exercise. The quizzes may be attempted repeatedly, with varying questions presented each attempt, until a score of at least 80% is achieved. Unlike traditional course tests, the quizzes are less about gaining marks, and more about practice and learning.

Upon completing the three forestry lessons you'll develop an application project.

Last, there is a 3-hour final exam where your advanced ArcGIS knowledge and know-how are tested. The exam is open-book.

The course is graded as follows:

  • The Forest Analysis lesson is worth 10%.
  • The Forest Harvesting lesson contributes 15%.
  • The Forest Values lesson also contributes 15%.
  • The Application Project assignment accounts for 15%.
  • The exam is worth the remaining 45%, but is a must-pass.
Time Limit: The final exam must be sit not later than 180 days, i.e. 6 months, after first registration.
Fees:

Click here to find more information on fees for this course.

Fees are subject to change by the Board of Governors.
Methods of Payment:

Once you complete the Apply Now form below, please send payment. Methods of payment accepted:
Cash (Do not send in the mail. Please deliver to the College of Extended Learning, 2nd Level, Wu Centre, UNB Fredericton Campus)
Cheque or money order (Mail to UNB College of Extended Learning, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3)
MasterCard / VISA / American Express (Please call the College of Extended Learning at 1-866-599-4646  or 506 453-4646 with your credit card number, expiry date, and the name as it appears on the card. Please do not send credit card information via email).

Apply Now!