Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis, and Remote Sensing for Conservation

Our world is changing rapidly. Many changes occur across areas and time periods beyond everyday human perception, often going undetected, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. Satellite imagery, computer-based modeling, and mapping systems such as GIS have radically transformed our ability to detect, map, and model such changes. These geospatial technologies allow us to monitor natural biological systems. New advances in spatial ecology permit us to put these data in the context of our ecological understanding and to generalize these patterns to advance ecological theories and their applications. Taken together these disciplines and techniques give conservation biologists and practitioners a powerful new tool box.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of these disciplines and tools and includes hand-on exercises ranging from land cover mapping and home range analysis to modeling of habitat selection and mapping species distributions. Specifically, this course focuses on how to quantify human-induced global changes and their effects on wildlife and biodiversity. Instruction and labs use satellite remote sensing and GIS in connection with extensive field survey data to monitor global changes, assess their impacts on wild populations, and develop mitigating land use strategies.

This applied course is focused on addressing conservation research problems using the GIS toolbox. Participants will learn to use ArcMap, ArcMap Spatial Analyst, ERDAS Imagine, Fragstats, and other spatial analysis programs.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basics of geospatial analysis and the types of data used
• Conduct remote sensing analysis and use satellite data to make land cover and habitat maps or measure environmental variation, such as primary productivity
• Collect GIS data in the field using statistical sampling and GPS
• Design and perform analysis using GIS data and spatial analysis techniques
• Conduct a basic land cover change assessment using satellite imagery
• Link species presence/absence or abundance data to other spatial data in a GIS
• Compare existing techniques for modeling species habitat, niche selection, and distribution
• Apply advanced spatial analysis techniques to real-world conservation and ecology problems, with case examples based on Smithsonian research
• Apply GIS-generated analyses to conservation planning

Dates

October 29-November 9, 2012

Location

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia

Application Procedures and Course Costs

Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis, and Remote Sensing for Conservation is offered through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Applications may be submitted for either Continuing Education Units (professional training) or for graduate credits (graduate training), as described below. Those applying for graduate credit must complete additional course requirements before credit is awarded.

For first consideration, apply before August 20, 2012

Payment Deadline: September 3, 2012

For professional training (non-credit) application and registration:

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with the necessary supporting materials (CV, reference letter, personal statement) as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu. Use the subject line: "Spatial Ecology: Professional Training."

Professional training course participants earn six Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Click here for information regarding course fees for this 6 CEU course. Further instructions for registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

For graduate training application and registration (George Mason University graduate credit):

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with your CV and personal statement as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu.

Use the subject line: "Spatial Ecology: Graduate Credit."

Click here for information regarding course fees for this 3-credit course. Further instructions for graduate registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

For More Information

Email SCBItraining@si.edu.