GIS and Remote Sensing - 2019 entry

Provides an introduction to and advanced GIS and remote sensing skills used by geologists and engineers in the mining and environmental industry. You will learn and familiarise with the most fundamental tools and software packages used to collect, analyse, manipulate and display spatial datasets.

The module introduces and develops advanced spatial visualisation and modelling skills associated with the daily work of an exploration and environmental geologist. These include practical work on a number of datasets and will guide the student from simple data visualisation to designing geodatabases and spatial modelling/ mineral potential mapping practicals. A highlight will be the collection and processing of data related to a contaminated land investigation at the historic mine site of Poldice, which will introduce data capture, manipulation and visualisation methods.

The Remote Sensing (RS) part of the module aims to familiarise the student with the interpretation of satellite imagery. The RS teaching block is planned as a series of lectures and practicals on a) retrieval and management of satellite data, b) manipulation and interpretation of different types of imagery (e.g. RGB false colour composites, differential interferograms, DEMs) demonstrating applications in geotechnical engineering and regional geological mapping, c) integration with multi-layer GIS environments and RS software, using Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS.

After completing this module you will be able to confidently apply GIS and remote sensing methods in the applied geoscience sector. The module provides the foundation knowledge for CSMM193 Exploration Targeting and CSMM192 Advanced Geoscientific Computing & Data Management in Term 2 of the MSc Exploration Geology Programme.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Discuss advanced exploration methods, in particular GIS and spatial data handling and integration;

2 Confidently use ArcGIS and remote sensing software packages;

3 Handle spatial data and generate maps, databases and interpretations for geological and general management;

4 Explain how exploration targets are generated and interpreted from a number of spatial data sources;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Systematically and critically explore the use of GIS for acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-scientific data relevant to the mineral exploration, environmental and mining industry;

6 Apply a variety of exploration techniques in the study of mineral deposits. Sources of data will encompass literature, laboratory and field based materials and information;

7 Synthesise and evaluate complex geological data, make sound judgments and communicate the results to others, along with an ability to make recommendations relevant to decision-making in the mining industry;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Select and utilise a full range of online learning resources and software packages to analyse, synthesise and interpret data. This includes GIS and Remote Sensing software, academic papers, book chapters, discussion boards and online individual and group activities;

9 Demonstrate commercial awareness with regards to exploration techniques;

10 Discuss complex issues, report on them and communicate the results to others.

- Introduction to the use of GIS and spatial modelling in mining and mineral exploration;

- Coordinate systems and georeferencing;

- Geodatabases;

- Creating and editing data;

- Symbology and Visualisation;

- Cartography using GIS;

- Spatial analysis and Interpolation;

- Statistical mineral potential mapping;

- Principles of remote sensing and applications in geological mapping, geohazards and geotechnical engineering.

Depending on previous performance on assignments (how many assignments were passed?), one or two pieces of coursework at 50% each. All referral marks are capped at 50%.

Basic reading:

All ArcGIS workflows are described on the ESRI support web pages detailed below. This should be your first call for all technical ArcGIS matters.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

A list of web resources and academic papers are available through ELE. In addition, the course site contains comprehensive online resources including lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and links to the University of Exeter electronic library and its comprehensive resources.

Web based and electronic resources:

Module is largely delivered by a dedicated ELE website that also involves links to external corporate, professional, educational websites and YouTube.

http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/Gisdictionary/browse (useful GIS dictionary provided by ESRI)

http://resources.arcgis.com (useful website for ArcGIS forums, online help and support)

http://help.arcgis.com/ (another useful ArcGIS online help website)

Other resources:

The site will have additional literature resources from external professional bodies, technical guides and manuals and use of company annual reports.

Reading list for this module: