Mapping Environments
Mapping Environments is a new first-year engineering subject that introduces students to the use of information to support decision-making in urban and rural environments.
Mapping Environments can form part of a major in Civil Systems, Physical Systems or Geomatics in the Bachelor of Environments leading to a Master of Engineering in Geomatics, Civil or Structural Engineering. It can also be taken as a breadth subject in all other Melbourne Model degrees (Arts, Commerce, Biomedicine, Music and Science).
Group Projects
Here are some examples of projects in Mapping Environments that will teach you about the amazing things that information can tell us.
Mapping Basics
The University of Melbourne is undertaking a hypothetical project to determine its carbon footprint, and your task is to map the size and location of all rubbish bins on campus. Through this exercise, you’ll learn the steps involved in building a map, including collecting, processing and displaying information. You will be introduced to tools including PDAs, ArcPAD and ArcGIS, and will start thinking about how places and objects can be represented on a map.
Imagery
Suspected of having committed a crime, you’re asked to prove your whereabouts at the time. The aim of this project is to teach you how imagery can be transformed into powerful maps. You will learn about a number of disciplines and tools, including Google Earth, GIMP, ER Mapping, Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry. You’ll also begin thinking critically about imagery – what can it reveal? What can it hide? How does it alter your perceptions of place and location?
Measurement
Through undertaking a survey of a site for a proposed new faculty, this project will introduce you to the process of scientific measurement, and the use of tools and concepts such as levels, staffs, accuracy, precision, errors and components of measurement. It will also get you thinking about the scientific nature of 3D space and the measurements made within it.
Modern Maps
Asked to map the University’s octagonal observatory, this project will introduce you to the process of measuring, mapping and visualising in 3D, as well as the use of surveying, imaging and modelling tools such as Disto, Digital Compasses, Digital Cameras, GIMP, Site Plans, Floor Plans, Section Plans and Google Sketchup. You’ll also start thinking critically about 3D computer-based models and their application in managing real-world environments.
Management Maps
The aim of this project is to gain an understanding of how modern maps can be used to help decision-making in complex environments, and will introduce you to tools including ArcMap and ArcCatalogue. In this instance, you will be looking at a proposed new climate change research centre and determining its optimum location and which, if any, existing buildings will need to be removed. Your results will be delivered in the form of a map.
Skills you will learn
- To discover how to apply your knowledge of basic science fundamentals
- To be able to identify, formulate and solve problems
- To understand the key role of information technology in sustainable development
- To develop your capacity for independent critical thought, creative inquiry and self-directed learning
- To develop a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.
Contact Hours
24 hours of lectures and 36 hours of practical and
laboratory classes
More information
- Handbook entry for 880-106 Mapping Environments
- Download the Mapping Environments flyer (PDF191KB)