University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
GEOL0253-2  Spatial analysis of geo-environmental data
Duration :  20h Th, 20h Pr
Credits/ECTS :  
Bachelor in engineering sciences, civil engineer orientation (Bachelor in engineering sciences, civil engineer orientation), 3rd yearSecond semester3
Holder(s) :  Eric Pirard
Language :  French language
Course contents :  1. INFORMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES

2. ACQUISITION OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Statistical and geo-environmental terminology
Typology of geo-environmental data
General principles of geo-environmental monitoring

3. REPRESENTATION OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

4. VISUALISATION OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Univaried visualisation (non-spatial)
Bivaried visualisation (non-spatial)
Spatial visualisation of vectorial data and their attributes
Visualisation of matrix data and their attributes

5. PROCESSING OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Identification and correction of "outliers"
Declustering
Data levelling principles
Spatial filtering principles

6. ANALYSIS OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Non-spatial exploratory analysis
Aspect of distributions in geology and the environment.
Theoretical distribution models and their parameters.
Topological analysis
Structural analysis and spatial autocorrelation

7. SPATIAL MODELLING OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Global inference vs. local inference
Spatial inference through deterministic models
Course objective :  1) To make students understand the importance of a quantitative approach to earth and environmental sciences (SIG, Imagery, Geostatistics, etc.).

2) To master the basic graphic visualisation techniques of geo-environmental data.

3) To analyse and interpret the statistical parameters and the laws of distribution generated by the different environmental processes.

4) To understand the deterministic spatial inference models and their limitations.

5) To be familiar with the use of the essential software programs.
Prerequisites :  None
Workshops :  Practical work is done using MATLAB.
After an introduction (refresher) to the use of MATLAB and several supervised pieces of work, students will be required to carry out a thematic project using MATLAB, which will be the subject of a written report submitted for assessment.
Students may use a laptop insofar as this is possible.
Organization :  Second quadrimester - Wednesday PM
The theoretical classes are taught in English in two-hour modules. The transparencies used in class as well as any written notes are in French.

Each theoretical class is followed by two hours of practical work (in French).
Written notes :  "Analyse spatiale des données géo-environnementales", E. PIRARD, ULg, 2009 in pdf format
Recommended complementary reading:
  • Swan A. and Sandilands M., 1995, Introduction to geological data analysis, Blackwell, ISBN 0-632-03224-3 (available via the intranet on UD Sciences de la Terre)
  • Kanevski, M. and Maignan, M., 2004, Analysis and modelling of spatial environmental data, EPFL Press, (contains the Geostat Office CD-ROM).
  • Goovaerts P., 1997, Geostatistics for natural resources estimation, Oxford Univ. Press
Assessment :  A written exam is organised at the end of the semester. This exam relates to the theoretical aspects of the subject and contains questions relating to hypothetical situations.

Students have to carry out a personal project within the framework of their practical work, to be handed in at the end of the semester.

The theoretical exam counts for 75 % of the final mark and the practical work for 25 % (both are compulsory).
Contacts :  Prof. Eric PIRARD - 04/366.95.28. - eric.pirard@ulg.ac.be

Nadia ELGARA (secrétaire) - 04/366.37.99 - nelgara@ulg.ac.be
Remarks :  (classes taught in English)


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