Teaching
I currently teach (and have taught) the following units (i.e. subjects) in the School of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania.
KGG103 Remote Sensing: Introduction (*former unit codes KGG202/302 and KGA365)
This unit familiarises students with the acquisition, processing and application of remotely sensed imagery to the physical and human environment. The unit starts with the foundations of electromagnetic energy and its interaction with the atmosphere and the earth surface. The unit covers a range of satellite image systems, aerial photography, and airborne laser scanning. The approach is multi-disciplinary in nature, and is aimed at providing students with the ability to understand and apply remote sensing technology to specific applications. Students will learn to analyse and interpret data from a wide variety of remote sensing systems that acquire imagery in the visible, infrared, thermal infrared, and radar wavelengths. The unit includes applications from vegetation mapping, environmental monitoring, land use mapping, climatology and oceanography. State-of-the-art remote sensing software and imagery is used to illustrate theoretical concepts in computer practicals. UTas link
A LANDSAT TM mosaic of Tasmania - pixel resolution of 30m.
KGG213 Remote Sensing: Image Analysis (*note: new unit in 2010)
This unit builds onto the theory and skills of KGG202 Remote Sensing: Introduction and focuses on advanced aspects of remotely sensed image analysis. The unit covers advanced geometric and atmospheric corrections, image filters, image enhancements and transformations, classification algorithms, object-based image analysis, change detection, and accuracy assessment. The theory is illustrated with a range of real-world applications using optical, hyperspectral, and RADAR imagery, and LiDAR data. Computer practicals and an independent project promote practical remote sensing skills in professional image processing software. UTas link
Texture measures derived from a high-resolution QuickBird image of Macquarie Island..
KGG240 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (*note: I taught this unit between 2006 and 2008, the unit code changed to KGG102)
This unit introduces the basic concepts and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Definitions, components and functions of GIS are examined. The theory behind spatial data representation, data structures, cartography, projections, vector and raster data models, and spatial analysis is addressed. A significant component of the unit consists of practical sessions using PC-based GIS packages designed to apply concepts presented in lectures. Emphasis is placed on the foundations of GIS for the input, management, and querying of spatial data. These foundations are illustrated with a range of interesting environmental and social applications. An introduction will be given to the decision support role of GIS through multi-criteria decision making and other means of spatial data analysis. UTas link
KGG340 GIS: Spatial Analysis
This unit builds onto the foundations of KGG240 GIS: Introduction and focuses on spatial analysis aspects of GIS. The unit covers geodatabases, exploratory spatial data analysis, interpolation, terrain modelling, multi-criteria decision analysis, and spatial data quality. These topics are explored in lectures and practical sessions through a range of practical applications with a focus on environmental modelling. Spatial problem solving skills are developed through the integration of diverse data within a powerful GIS environment. A significant component of the unit consists of practical sessions using PC-based GIS packages designed to apply concepts presented in lectures. UTas link
Topographic Wetness Index of Mt. Wellington, Tasmania.
KGG375 GIS: Advanced Spatial Analysis
This unit builds onto the theory and skills of KGG340 GIS: Spatial Analysis and focuses on advanced aspects of spatial data analysis, including practical aspects GIS application development. The unit covers exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), geostatistics, data interpolation, and error propagation modelling. The theory is illustrated with a range of important real-world applications. In addition, students will gain experience with batch processing, automating, and customising tasks in a GIS using a scripting language. UTas link
A recent land slip near Hobart under investigation using GPS and GIS.
GPS data covering the land slip loaded into the GIS and a map of the slope over the land slip, darker colours indicate steeper slopes.
A relief shaded view of the 3D elevation model of the land slip site.
KGG380/480 GIS: Application Development (*note: this unit is not longer offered. It has been integrated in KGG375 GIS: Advanced Spatial Analysis)
This unit builds onto the theory and skills of KGG340 GIS: Spatial Analysis and focuses on building custom GIS tools. As users become more experienced with GIS, they require more complex spatial analyses for their applications. These analyses are usually not supported by the basic functions of a GIS but must be implemented using a scripting or programming language. This unit is designed to introduce application development in GIS with a focus on implementation of new spatial analysis algorithms. Students will gain experience with customising GIS using scripting and programming languages. In addition, this unit covers the technical aspects of Internet Mapping.
Teaching and Supervision Courses
During my lecturing position at the University of Tasmania I completed the following courses on teaching and student supervision:
- Teaching Online Essentials Program (TOE512) - WebCT Vista
- Teaching at the University of Tasmania (TAUT – ELT501)
- Supervision of RHD students (by Carey Denholm)
- Seminars on student supervision organised by the School of Geography
- Time Management Tools
Australian Antarctic Data Centre (December 2005 – June 2006):
- Remote Sensing lectures and practicals in ERDAS IMAGINE
International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands (2000 – 2004):
- lectures: Uncertainty in Geospatial Data
- lectures: Image Segmentation
- lectures: Uncertainty Visualisation
University of Karlsruhe, Germany (2004)
- Course: Uncertainty in Geospatial Data and Visualisation
Internet computer practical development (2000):
- Design of web-based computer practical System Earth: Course Physical Geography and Geology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
URL: http://earth.geog.uu.nl
Student tutoring, Utrecht University, the Netherlands (1998 – 2000):
- Arc/Info & ArcView computer practicals
- Geostatistics practicals (GSTAT)
- Remote Sensing practicals (IDRISI, ERDAS IMAGINE, IDL/ENVI)
- Introduction to GIS and dynamical modelling (PCRaster)