Landscape Patterns and Processes
Course Description:
This comprehensive course provides students with an in-depth understanding of landscape analysis, management, and planning. The course covers a wide range of topics, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, land use change modeling, climate applications, waterscape dynamics, urban landscapes, landscape metrics, landscape genetics, landscape and energy optimization, health effects of nature/landscapes, methods to investigate human-landscape relationships, and policies for managing land changes.
The course is structured to provide a balance between theoretical lectures and practical assignments, ensuring that students develop both conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Each week, different experts in the field will lead the lectures and guide students through the corresponding practical exercises. This diverse range of instructors brings their unique perspectives and expertise, enriching the learning experience.
During the initial weeks, students will be introduced to landscape resources and their management. They will explore the fundamental concepts of GIS, including important functions and reminders, which will serve as a foundation for subsequent topics. The course will then delve into the application of remote sensing techniques for habitat characterization and resource detection within landscapes. Students will gain practical experience by reading and processing remote sensing data in R, enabling them to analyze land cover change over time.
As the course progresses, students will delve into land use change modeling, learning how to model and predict future changes in specific regions of Switzerland. They will employ aerial statistics, GLMs, and other statistical methods to analyze and understand the dynamics of land cover change. Climate products and applications will also be explored, with a focus on understanding the role of climate as a determinant of landscape processes. Students will analyze climate data using tools such as the chelsa product, gaining insights into wind and solar exposure for energy potential.
The course will continue by examining different aspects of landscapes, including waterscape dynamics and urban landscapes. Students will explore the unique characteristics, socio-economic factors, and challenges associated with these types of landscapes. They will learn how to plan green spaces in urban areas to optimize biodiversity and mitigate heat island effects. The analysis of landscape metrics, connectivity, and fragmentation will be explored to understand the effects of fragmented landscapes and methods to improve connectivity.
Furthermore, students will delve into landscape genetics, where they will learn about genetic markers, gene flow barriers, and how to validate connectivity using genetic data. The course will also cover the trade-offs and conflicts between biodiversity, water, and energy use in landscapes, emphasizing spatial optimization algorithms to find optimal solutions. The health effects of nature and landscapes will be examined, focusing on landscape preference, place identity, and the role of landscapes in recreation, health, and well-being. Methods for investigating human-landscape relationships and evaluating interventions will also be explored.
Towards the end of the course, students will delve into policies and planning instruments for managing land changes, with a specific focus on built-up areas. They will understand the rationale behind setting objectives for land take and explore various policy instruments used in different European countries. Through a role play exercise, students will gain insight into the conflicting interests involved in managing development.
By the end of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of landscape analysis, management, and planning. They will have acquired practical skills in utilizing GIS, remote sensing, and statistical tools like R for analyzing landscapes and making informed decisions. With this knowledge, students will be well-equipped to contribute to the sustainable management of landscapes and address the complex challenges they present.