MESM Track Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (RSSA) Dr. Y.Q. Wang (Track Chair) http://nrs.uri.edu/people/faculty/wang.html
Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Remote sensing, GIS, GPS and their applications are among central components of geographic information science and technology, or geotechnology. The U.S. Department of Labor identified geotechnology as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields, along with nanotechnology and biotechnology. Geotechnology is transforming disciplines in environmental science and management. Graduates in environmental sciences and management note that knowledge and skills in GIS and remote-sensing are becoming essential and as important as fieldwork.
Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Environmental Data Center To support the use of contemporary tools of spatial data processing and electronic dissemination in the analysis and distribution of environmental data. Laboratory for Terrestrial Remote Sensing Application of remote sensing science and technologies in ecosystem monitoring, natural resources analysis and mapping.
An example of salt marsh monitoring, mapping and change analysis 1974 2003 Aerial Quick Bird
QuickBird-2 September 28, 2003 Band 3,2,1 in RGB)
World View II September 19, 2013 Band 4,3,2 in RGB)
QuickBird-2 September 28, 2003 Band 4,3,2 in RGB)
World View II September 19, 2013 Band 6,3,2 in RGB)
QuickBird-2 September 28, 2003 Band 4,3,2 in RGB)
World View II September 19, 2013 Band 6,3,2 in RGB)
World View-II September 15, 2012 Band 6,3,2 in RGB)
Ground Checking Locations
A.T. is a cross-section MEGA- Transect of the eastern U.S. Forests and alpine areas, and offers a setting for collecting data on the health of ecosystems for early detection of undesirable changes in the natural resources. Appalachian Trail: 2,175 miles (3,500 km) long and crosses 14 states in the Eastern U.S. Intersecting 8 National Forests; 6 units of the National Park System, More than 70 State Park, Forest, and Game Management units, and 287 local jurisdictions The protected lands harbor rare, threatened, endangered species
Program Overview This specialization provides students with technical skills required to use state-of-the-art mapping technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), and cutting-edge data systems, such as those provided by satellite and aerial remote sensing and global positioning systems (GPS), for the analysis and presentation of environmental data. Students take a core of basic and advanced courses in remote sensing and GIS, where they learn to use modern mapping technologies. Additional coursework provides them with practical instruction in how GIS and remote sensing are applied in environmental analysis and basic research. Students master a large and diverse suite of technical tools in geospatial data analysis. These can be used to solve practical problems, such as in watershed modeling, ecosystem science, wildlife ecology, water resource management, landscape ecology, conservation biology, and land-use and land-cover change (LULCC)
Track Requirements Core courses (21-25 credits), including: Natural Sciences (12-16 credits) - Remote Sensing & Spatial Analysis (at least 9 credits) - Earth & Ecosystem Science (0-7 credits) Social Sciences (6 credits) Quantitative Methods (3 credits) Elective courses (6-10 credits) Independent study (Major Paper) (3 credits: EVS 598) Graduate seminar (2 credits)
Sample Classes Natural Science Core Courses NRS 415 Remote Sensing of the Environment NRS 509 Concepts in GIS & Remote Sensing NRS 410 Fundamentals of GIS NRS 516 Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Mapping 3 cr. 4 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. NRS 522 Advanced GIS Analysis of Environmental Data 3 cr. NRS 524 Application of Advanced Spatial Analysis NRS 533 Landscape Pattern and Change 1 cr. 3 cr. Quantitative Methods Courses NRS 520 Quantitative Techniques in Natural Resources Research STA 411 Biostatistics STA 550 Ecological Statistics 3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. Social Sciences Courses NRS 555 Applied Coastal Ecology MAF 484 Environmental Analysis & Policy in Coastal Management MAF 527 Marine Protected Areas 2 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. STA 515 Spatial Data Analysis 3 cr.
Internship Opportunities RI Department of Environmental Management RI Natural History Survey Environmental Protection Agency National Park Service US Fish & Wildlife Service The Nature Conservancy
Recent Major Paper Topics Name Topic Audience Ann Borowik Landscape Tools for Conservationists: A Custom ESRI ArcToolbox for the Stewardship of Conservation Lands in Rhode Island Michele Georgiani Mapping Inundation From Storm Surge: Modeling the Effects of Hurricane Hazards in Yarmouth, MA Eric Akins Mark Christiano EO-1 Advanced Land Imager Data in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapping A Protocol of Using High Spatial Resolution Satellite Imagery to Map Salt Marshes User groups of conservation and planning Environmental management and disaster control Scientific research and coastal management communities NPS, scientific research and coastal management communities
Recent Major Paper Topics Name Topic Audience Marisa Thompson Modeling Sea Level Rise Impacts in South Kingstown Tiffany-Lane Davis Terrain Modeling the Cape Cod National Seashore Thomas Mayo Shelby Southworth Effects of Human Disturbance on Bird Use of a Coastal Barrier Beach: Napatree Point, Rhode Island Rhode Island's Natural Heritage: Locational Discretion in an Age of Spatial Data User groups of conservation and planning NPS, Environmental management and disaster control, scientific research Environmental management and scientific research Land managers, general public
Careers Graduates are prepared for careers in federal, state, or municipal government, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms requiring professionals who can bring science to bear on policy and management solutions that succeed in a modern political and economic setting.
Student Stories Thomas Mayo, Working as GIS Manager, Portsmouth RI, Dept of Public works. Andrew Neill, Research Associate II working as GIS tech for URI EDC on NPS project Shelby Southworth, Working as GIS Analyst at EPA Narragansett Lab. Ann Borowik, GIS Analyst, Town of Wellesly, MA Marisa Thompson, Head of GIS Team, MetLife Insurance Michele Georgiani, Project Manager, Applied Geographics, Inc, Laura Spark, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Newport Eric Akins, US Navy Mark Christiano, GIS Specialist, NPS - Gateway National Recreation Area Christine Slinko, GIS Specialist, private firm Kendall Gadomski, Ph.D. student, international Emily Hale, GIS professional, US Navy
Student Stories