Fall 2022 - GEOG 451 D100
Spatial Modeling (4)
Class Number: 2903
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Suzana Dragicevic
suzanad@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4621
Office: RCB 6233
Office Hours: TBA
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Prerequisites:
GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270; one of GEOG 351, 352, 353, 355 or 356.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Spatial models for the representation and simulation of physical, human and environmental processes. GIS and spatial analysis software are used in the laboratory for model development, from problem definition and solution to visualization. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course Description: Spatial models allow us to represent real-world phenomena that change over space and time by using geospatial data, GIS and geosimulation approaches. Students will learn concepts related to the theory of complex systems, geographic automata, particularly cellular automata and agent-based models, as well as artificial intelligence, and their integration with GIS for representing, simulating and forecasting dynamic geographic phenomena. The topics will include but not limited to the following: space-time models of land-use/land cover change, urban sprawl, forest fires propagation, pollution, flooding, and invasive species spread. Issues of model testing and validation will also be examined. Students will learn how GIS, complexity theory and geographic automata can be used in simulating geographic phenomena and will be exposed to the scientific research process in the field of GIS-based spatial modeling.
The course is based on a combination of instructor-led presentations on theoretical and applied concepts related to spatial modeling and geosimulation, together with a hands-on modeling project. A required list of readings of scientific journal papers covering selected course topics will be provided. Each student will write a brief literature review on the topic for selected weekly readings.
Computer labs are designed to inform and support model building ideas and implementation through a project. Students will choose a dynamic spatio-temporal problem and conceptualize a modeling strategy to resolve it. GIS software will be available in the computer lab to implement a solution. The final project will be presented as a short scientific paper.
Format: In-Person delivery for both the lectures and computer labs. The course begins in the first week of the term.
Fall 2022 courses will be delivered in person based on information available at the time of publishing the outline; please note the delivery mode is subject to change following Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and/or SFU recommendations and orders.
Notes:
- Depending on the number of students enrolled, available resources and any changing circumstances during the term, the evaluation and course content can be subject to changes on short notice.
- This course may be applied towards the GIS Certificate Program.
Grading
- literature review 15%
- project proposal 10%
- project presentation 15%
- project scientific paper report 35%
- midterm test 25%
NOTES:
There is no final exam. All marks in the course are absolute and not scaled or assigned based on a curve.
REQUIREMENTS:
Requirements for In-Person Learning: For work outside the computer laboratory, student can use a modern Windows or Mac computer and reliable internet connection to progress their work.
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html