FORE242-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026

Geospatial Science in Forest Monitoring and Management

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
End Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 10 May 2026

Description

This course explores the role and use of geospatial technologies in the context of vegetation management. Theory and practical application of geographic information system (GIS) software, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology, and remote sensing (e.g. satellite imagery, LiDAR) will be used to analyse and solve spatial problems in forests and other vegetated landscapes.

This course is designed to illustrate how geospatial technologies can be applied to a range of vegetation management problems. Students will develop understanding and skills applicable to a range of spatial challenges in vegetated landscapes. The course emphasizes cutting-edge technologies.

The course content is arranged into themes:

• Data collection - this includes spatial data collection using global navigation satellite systems and attribute data collection using ground-based methods or remote sensing;
• Remote sensing - an applied introduction to the various remote sensing technologies including aerial photography, satellite imagery, and LiDAR; and
• Geographic Information Systems - developing capabilities to analyze and solve complex spatial problems in vegetation management, inclusive of forests and other vegetated landscapes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate and understand the role of specialised geospatial technologies in solving a range of forest management problems (EEI3, EEI4)
2. Understand the limitations and the theoretical background of global navigation satellite systems, geographic information systems, and remote sensing with respect to complex problems in forest management (EEI3, EEI4)
3. Have developed the practical skills to confidently apply global navigation satellite systems, geographic information systems, and remote sensing techniques to complex problems in forest management (EEI3, EEI4)

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Employable, innovative and enterprising

Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Restrictions

FORE442 - Application of Information Technology in Forestry    
FORE342 - Geospatial Science in Forest Monitoring and Management    
FORE642 - Advanced Geospatial Science in Forest Monitoring and Management

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Tuesday 15:00 - 16:00 Psychology - Sociology 252 Lecture Theatre
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Lecture B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Wednesday 10:00 - 11:00 Jack Erskine 340
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Computer Lab A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Thursday 12:00 - 15:00 Forestry 252 Computer Lab
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Global navigation satellite system practical assignment 30%
Geographic Information System practical test 30%
Final exam 40%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,190.00

International fee $5,875.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Forestry .

All FORE242 Occurrences

  • FORE242-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026