GEOGRAPHY 293 SYLLABUS
SURVEY OF ELEVATION MODELING TECHNIQUES
3 Credits
Keith W. Cunningham, PhD
Office : 511N Elvey Bldg. (Go to the ASF office on the fifth floor and ask for me)
Phone : (907) 474-7926
Office Hrs : Thursday 8 am to 5 pm, and by appointment
Email : kwcunningham@alaska.edu
Course Description
Introduction to topographic mapping, contouring, hypsography, and digital elevation modeling, including a history of their development. Surveys relevant technology and techniques, including vertical mapping datums, land surveying, stereo imaging, photogrammetry, GPS (Global Positioning System), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), SAR Interferometry, and SONAR bathymetric mapping. Includes application studies such as glacier monitoring using LiDAR and SAR, and LIDAR biomass and forest canopy estimation, as well as flood plain mapping and tsunami inundation models for emergency managers.
Graduate credit also available and will involve research in the student’s area of interest.
Instructor :
Keith Cunningham, PhD, at the Geophysical Institute, where he is a specialist in LiDAR and remote sensing. Prior to joining ASF, Keith worked for 20 years in the field of GIS.
Prerequisites :
None
Required Textbooks :
None
Assigned Readings
These will be handed out in class or posted on BlackBoard.
Course Objectives
- Understand contours and the methods of contouring
- Recognize the difference between vector and raster elevation models
- Realize the evolving technology used in elevation modeling
- Learn the importance of vertical mapping datums
- Understand the different advantages of terrestrial, airborne, and space-based elevation measurements
- Understand the technology of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and its applications
- Understand the technology of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and is applications
- Consider the many applications of elevation models for management and policy
Grading and Course Credit
Grades are based on two exams, written reaction papers, and class discussions (see details below). Attendance is vital in this course, since 25% of class time will be devoted to discussion of assigned readings, films, and current geographic issues. 20% of your grade will depend on how effectively you participate in class discussions (whether you’ve done the reading, paid attention to films, given it all some thought, and demonstrate all that in class discussions).
If you miss class, you are responsible for getting notes from another student. Exams may cover any course material, including readings, lectures, maps, slides, films, and class discussions. Exams will test for both conceptual understanding and factual knowledge.
Final grades are based on your point total as a percentage of possible points. No extra credit.
| Points Possible | % of Final Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Two exams (25 pts ea.) | 50 | 50% |
| Term paper (25 pts) | 25 | 25% |
| Class readings & discussion | 25 | 25% |
| Total Points Possible: | 100 |
Grading Scale
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89.9%
C = 70% - 79.9%
D = 60% - 69.9%
Paper Assignment :
One paper is due at the end of course involving elevation modeling.
Missed Exams/Quizzes, Late Assignments
If you miss an exam due to military duty, jury duty, UAF athletics, a family emergency, grave illness, or other unavoidable circumstance, you are eligible to make up the exam ONLY upon producing formal documentation (court notice, funeral program, doctor’s note, etc.). Contact me as soon as possible if this is the case. If you know you will miss an exam ahead of time, make arrangements with me as early as possible prior to the exam. The term paper will not be accepted late except under extraordinary circumstances.
GEOG 293 SCHEDULE
| Week | Applied Topic / Technical Overview |
|---|---|
| Sep 2 | Contours and topographic mapping / Interpolation & Hypsography |
| Sep 9 | Land Surveying & Leveling / Orthometric Heights |
| Sep 16 | GPS, Coordinate Systems & Vertical Datums / Blunders, Accuracy & Precision |
| Sep 23 | Stereo Imaging & Photogrammetry / Ground Control |
| Sep 30 | Sea Level, Bathymetry, Coastlines / Units & Fractal Math |
| Oct 7 | Exam |
| Oct 14 | Vector & Raster Data Models / DTED & Abstractions |
| Oct 21 | Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) / Sensor Error & Error Budgets |
| Oct 28 | Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) / Ephemeris Control |
| Nov 4 | Cryospheric, Forestry, & Biomass Applications / The Model |
| Nov 11 | Flood & Inundation Applications / H&H Models |
| Nov 18 | Exam |
| Nov 25 | Fall Break |
| Dec 2 | Papers & Presentations |
| Dec 9 | Papers & Presentations |
The topic schedule is subject to change, but not exam dates.
GEOG 293 READINGS
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
Writing & Oral Presentation
25% of your grade from the term paper & presentation will depend on clear writing and oral presentation.
Plagiarism
Any act of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the course, and possible expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to know what constitutes plagiarism. All other forms of academic dishonesty and/or misconduct will also result in a failing grade for the course.
Disabilities
If you have a (medical/cognitive/sensory/mobility) disability that may prevent you from fully demonstrating your potential in this course, arrange as soon as possible to have a UAF representative from Disability Services provide me a letter that explains any special accommodations you may need.
Getting Help
Have any problems or questions? Feel free to see me during my office hours, set up an appointment, call, or email. I’m happy to help you any way I can to achieve your potential in this course.