GIS in Environmental Planning

Code:

MPPU010

Acronym:

SIGP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Spatial Planning and Urbanism

Instance: 2018/2019 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=807
Responsible unit:	Spatial Planning and Environment Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Spatial Planning and Urban Project

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MPPU	10	Syllabus since 2011/12	1	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

It is intended that students:

• understand the particularities of the GIS structure


• get skills using GIS software (like ArcMap or QGIS)


• understand the potential of GIS tools for environmental and spatial management 


• are entitled to conceive spatial models.

It is expected that students acquire skills in identification of:

• environmental and spatial problems


• the potential problems that may arise from new development strategies and new projects


• the adequate mitigation measures for the problem under study

Students should be able to identify:

• the sources of information and data for the intended projects and studies


• the consequences of using less detailed, accurate or erroneous information or even from missing information

Students should be able to identify the most adequate decision process, including the selection of:

• the legal framework 


• the decision model (ex. multi-criteria analysis)


• the best option regarding the environment ad the territory

Learning outcomes and competences

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Knowledge: Describe the mechanism of setting up and usig a SIG. Use of GIS software (like ArcMap or QGIS). Use of diverse environmental software or software results to identify and resolve environmental problems.


• Application: demonstrate knowledge on software applications regarding basic information, data management and trasformation. Apply methodologies for environmental assessment and for project appraisal.


• Analysis: Analyze the conflicts generated by the identified environmental impacts on their interaction with the territory. Potential for the improvement of territorial development plans taking into account the results of the environmental assessment.


• Summary: Implement and execute a spatial analysis. Proposing design solutions that minimize environmental impacts and maximize the project quality.


• Assessment: evaluate and criticize the decision processes

Working method

Presencial

Program

Introduction to geographical information systems (GIS) 

• Concepts


• SIG structure


• Practical applications

Environmental assessmento & SIG

• environmental problems in urban context (air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, etc.). 


• Concepts, indicators, legislation, strategies for action. 


• Using GIS for environmental management




• Digital Ground Model


• Identification, evaluation and mitigation


• Monitoring

Instrument to support the environmental assessment

• strategic


• project appraisal 

Mandatory literature

Chang, K-T; Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2010. ISBN: 978-0071267588
Robert Scally; GIS for Environmental Management, Esri Press, 2006. ISBN: 9781589481428
Kathryn Keranen, Robert Kolvoord; Making Spatial Decisions Using GIS: A Workbook, Esri Press, 2011. ISBN: 9781589482807
GIS for Sustainable Development, Campagna, M., 2006. ISBN: 978-0849330513

Complementary Bibliography

Maantay J., Ziegler J.; GIS for the urban environment, ESRI Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-1589480827
Kathryn Keranen, Robert Kolvoord; Making spatial decisions using GIS. ISBN: 978-1589481831
A. P. Oliveira de Carvalho, Cecília Rocha; Manual técnico para elaboração de planos municipais de redução de ruído. ISBN: 978-972-8577-42-1
Margaret H. Carr, Paul D. Zwick; Smart Land-Use Analysis: The LUCIS Model, Esri Press, 2007. ISBN: 9781589481749
Keranen, K., Kolvoord R.; Making Spatial Decisions Using GIS: Our World GIS Education, Level 4 , ESRI Press , 2010. ISBN: 978-1589481831

Teaching methods and learning activities

This Curricular Unit (CU) is structured in theoretical-practical lessons in which students will take contact with different environmental issues.
Will be promoted the use of dedicated software, in particular, ArcView and some of its extensions, the analysis of results obtained from specific software concerning the environmental factors of interest for this CU and a critical evaluation of the environmental problems identified and the potential mitigation measures.
The evaluation type of this CU is Distributed Evaluation without Final Exam.
The distributed evaluation shall incorporate the preparation and presentation of a team work and also individual assignments regarding the skills learned in this CU.

Software

ArcGis Spatial Analyst
ArcView
ArcGIS Data Interoperability
QGIS

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	5,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	50,00
Trabalho de campo	5,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	48,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Trabalho de investigação	24,00
Trabalho escrito	10,00
Trabalho de campo	4,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Total:	154,00

Eligibility for exams

Achieving final classification requires compliance with attendance at the course unit. It is considered that students meet the attendance requirements if, having been regularly enrolled, the number of absences of 25% for each of the classes’ types is not exceeded. The following cases are exempted from the attendance requirements: 
i) cases prescribed by law, including student workers; 
ii) students who were admitted to exams in the previous academic year.

Calculation formula of final grade

CF - Final Grade
   TP - Practical work (report - 72%; presentation - 28%)
   TL - Inclass Laboratorial work (GIS exercises)
   PP - Class Participation (active)
   TC - Field work Participation (active)

CF = 0,55*TP + 0,35*TL + 0,05*PP + 0,05*TC

(ratings of all evaluation components of a course are expressed on a scale of 0 to 20)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students who are exempted from compliance with the conditions of listed attendance in point i) will be assessed by the same evaluation conditions of ordinary students.

Classification improvement

Students may choose to improve some of the parcels included in the final grade. The possibility of improvement exists for the report of the final work and for laboratory work.

• The maximum admissible mark for the laboratory work will be 50% of the value attributed by the compliance with the evaluation rules, that is, with the timely delivery and correct execution of the requested one.


• The quotation of the semi-annual report remains unchanged and will be 8 values.