Introduction to module 1017

1. Making sense of a complex world;
Introduction to this module
Landscape modelling
1017DL

2. Module staff
• Julian Swindell: module leader
julian.swindell@rau.ac.uk
– Rural landscape,
– Modelling the landscape as maps and
computerised models
• Iain Butler
iain.butler@rau.ac.uk
– Urban landscape

3. Aims: Why we are running this module
Three things surveying students need to know:
• How the real world can be visualised as simple,
manageable models – analogue maps and digital
spatial models
• Why contemporary landscapes are like they are
• How to use maps and spatial models as aids to
managing the developing landscapes of the future

4. Objectives: the module content
This module covers three overarching areas
• An examination of traditional and digital technologies used
in the creation of maps.
• A study of the evolution of the contemporary landscape, both
rural and urban from historical times to the present day
• An exploration of the technologies used for creating,
manipulating and analysing spatial data as landscape models
to aid land and property management.

5. Outcomes: what successful students will achieve in the module
To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of how landscapes can be represented
as a graphical or digital model;
• Demonstrate knowledge of how contemporary landscapes came
to their current form;
• Demonstrate understanding of why and how people and
societies value and manage landscapes;
• Obtain data and information needed to model both rural and
urban landscapes;
• Use GIS and ICT to
collect, manage, model
and analyse landscape
information.

6. Assessments
• Two forms of assessment will be used
– Marked assessments
• There are two of these, one carried out during
the module and one at the end
– Developmental assessments
• These are unmarked, but they will develop the
skills and knowledge you require for complete
the marked assessments

7. Marked Assessment 1: Coursework
• One coursework assessment, carrying
50% of the module mark:
– This is set at the beginning of the module.
– There will be one coursework tutorial whilst
you are working on it
– You will receive a mark and feedback
within three weeks of submission

8. Mark Assessment 2: Examination
• One, two hour exam at the end of the
module, carrying 50% of module mark
• This will be closed book, unseen with a
choice of questions to answer
• Previous exam papers are available for
study

9. Developmental assessments: lots
• There will be student activities
associated with each unit of the module
• You will be expected to take a full part
in online discussion forums
• These activities carry no mark, but you
need to work through all of them to be
adequately prepared for marked
assessments.

10. Module Web site
• The module is supported by a web site
on the Gateway VLE. This will contain
all support materials and links to
external resources
http://gateway.rau.ac.uk
• This site will develop and change during
the course of the module, managed in
part by your feedback.

11. Gateway home for Landscape modelling module 1017
Current activity box.
Updated weekly
Important resources,
Updated occasionally
Module staff
Timetable and
discussion forum
Live resource link
Module learning
outcome
Resources still to
come (not linked yet)

12. Evolution of the rural landscape

13. Elements of the rural landscape
Rivers and canals
BuildingsWalls and fences
Roads

14. Cherished landscapes

15. Urban Landscape
• Urban landscapes;
what they are
• What they mean
• Why they are
important
• How they developed
• How they are now
controlled
• How important their
role is today

16. Townscape
• The language of
urban landscapes
– Elements/components
– Subjective and
objective perceptions
– ‘eye of beholder’
– Visual exploration

17. Urban Landscape Elements
• The buildings
– Different ages and
styles
– Vernacular and
polite
• The spaces
– designed landscapes
• Their arrangement
– City plans and
models

18. Landscape modelling
• The Ordnance Survey
and its products
• Other sources of maps
and spatial data
Maps as graphical models of the
real World

19. GIS (geographical information systems) and their applications
• GIS for
– Map visualisation
– Model building
– Data integration
– Spatial analysis
– Problem solving
– Decision making

20. And finally
• You will only learn if you work hard
• It will be hard
• You are expected to read widely
• You are expected to develop your own
notes on the subject
• Assessments may cover any aspect of
the subject, don’t skip anything out

21. What next?
• Go through this module’s Gateway site
and see how it is structured and what
resources are accessible
• Check Gateway frequently to see what is
happening
• Use the forum for module communication
and queries
http://gateway.rau.ac.uk