ENVX3001/GEOS3014
GIS PROJECT: CAMPUS TREE HEALTH PROJECT
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The University of Sydney Sustainability Strategy. was launch in August 2020. As part of this strategy
the University recognises...
"THE ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY ON OUR CAMPUSES, NOT JUST IN INCREASING OUR RESILIENCE TO
CLIMATE CHANGE BUT IN ADVANCING OUR COMMITMENT TO LEARN FROM INDIGENOUS
KNOWLEDGES IN NEW PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS ON OUR CAMPUSES"
with the aim to enable 30% canopy cover by 2030
Urban tree canopy is considered a form of green infrastructure that provides multiple ecosystem
services including:
1. Temperature moderation - 10% increase in tree canopy cover can lower land surface
temperature by 1.13 degrees Celsius (NSW OEH, 2015)
2. Sequestration of atmospheric carbon
3. Air purification
4. Storm water management
5. Improved building energy efficiency
6. Increased property values - a recent report by AECOM estimated that a 10% increase in
street tree canopy cover can increase property value of properties by an average of $50,000.
Large areas of impervious and dark-coloured surfaces (such as rooftops, roads and carparks) can
cause warming of localised temperatures (urban heat island). Urban canopy provides shade,
reducing ambient temperatures and potentially mitigating the heat island effect.
A BRIEF BACKGROUND: USING INNOVATIVE SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR MONITORING,
MEASUREMENT AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF URBAN TREE CANOPY
Watch Paul Barber's (Director ArborCarbon) great presentation in which he explains how high
resolution airborne sensing is used to understand tree condition and the importance of urban
vegetation for human health.
https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference-2020/Conference-Presentations/Crown-and-Canopy-
Presentations
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
PROJECT TOPICS
Selection ONE of the following project topics.
TOPIC 1: INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TREE CANOPY COIVER AND GROUND
SURFACE TEMPERATURE
The replacement of vegetation with impervious surfaces results in higher city temperatures and
increases the vulnerability of urban residents to heat waves and rises in urban energy demand (Ziter
et al., 2019). This phenomenon is know as the urban heat island effect (UHI). However, there is
considerable spatial heterogeneity within urban landscapes due to localised temperature variation
suggesting the pattern of UHI is more 'archipelago' than 'island'.
Using the multi-spectral image, vegetation structure data and the surface temperature data
(thermal) provided by ArborCarbon , investigate the relationship between tree canopy cover and
localised temperature on Camperdown campus.
You will also need to generate a landcover classification of the campus to distinguish impervious
surface types.
Ziter et al., 2019. Scale dependent interactions between tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces
reduce daytime urban heat during summer, PNAS, 116(15): 7575-7580.
TOPIC 2: USING VEGETATION INDICES FOR ASSESSING TREE HEALTH
Monitoring tree health and condition is necessary for ensuring the sustainability of urban forests and
allows site managers to assess the success of planting programs. Urban trees can be more
vulnerable to pests and disease due to localised stressors such as impervious surfaces, compacted
soils, root disturbance and air pollution. Due to the sensitivity of the NIR spectral region to tree
health, vegetation indices such as the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) are often used
to assess tree condition.
Using time series multi-spectral imagery (RGB-IR) and the Camperdown tree inventory, assess
changes in tree health condition across the Camperdown campus. Consider potential causes of
negative or positive changes in tree 'greenness'.
Fang et al., Street tree health from space? An evaluation using WorldView-3 data and the
Washington D.C. Stree Tree Spatial Database, URBAN FORESTRY AND URBAN GREENING,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126634
TOPIC 3: DEVELOPING A FIELD OBSERVATION DATABASE OF CAMPUS TREE CONDITION
The University of Sydney would like to develop a GIS based platform that can be used by field staff to
provide a comprehensive inventory of trees planted on Camperdown campus to assist with tree
management and maintenance facilitate the goal to achieve 30% campus tree canopy by 2030.
In this topic you will need to use the ArcGIS Pro Street Tree Inventory app to develop a 'proof of
concept'. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of field observation databases and the opportunities
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
these tools present and provide recommendations on platform requirements for storing and
collecting information currently held within the USyd Tree Inventory excel data sheet.
Berland ET AL., 2019. Can field crews telecommute? Varied data quality from citizen science tree
inventories conducted using street-level imagery, FORESTS, 10 (349) https://www.mdpi.com/1999-
4907/10/4/349/htm
Although completion of the project work may involve collaborative work, each student must submit
their own model results and prepare the final written report individually.
PROJECT REPORT
The aim of the report is to help you gain an appreciation of the problems and benefits of using
geospatial data to address environmental and or societal issues.
Your report should include:
• The display of geospatial data that you have created. You should present 2 or 3 final map
products (more can be shown in an appendix)
• The use of GIS and remote sensing skills developed during the semester, including the
creation of multi-data layer maps
• The critical examination of a geospatial topic
See rubric for detailed marking criteria.
Mark Allocation
Methods and Results (Group) 40%
Introduction, Discussion and Conclusion 60%
REPORT STRUCTURE
Report Word Length: max 1500-1800 words (excluding references)
Due Wednesday 10th November 2021 (reports should be submitted electronically through Canvas
TurnItIn)
Please include the following sections in your report:
Abstract or Executive Summary (150 words)
• Summarising all sections of the report including background, methods, results, interpretation
and conclusions
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
Introduction
• Background & Literature Review
• Include at least 3 articles in which geospatial tools have been applied to your topic, or closely
related topics.
• Aims
• Significance of your project
Methods (Group)
• State the study area(s) to be used.
• Describe the geospatial products (maps, shapefiles, photos, DEM, images, flights, special
software) that are important to this topic
• Document the geospatial and attribute data used in this project
• Data Analyses used
Results (Group)
• Describe your results
• Final map figures and tables (e.g. change detection, etc.).
Discussion
• Summary of our Results and Their Interpretation in Light of Known Literature
• Importance of Your Results
• How does your results compare to previous studies?
• Study limitations
• Discuss what further work on this topic might be of value
References (Literature and data sources)
• Must be formatted for a journal article.
• Format based on APA 6th style
(https://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096)
Appendix (as required)
Map elements to include in cartographic design: a ‘How to’ guide to map making
http://gisgeography.com/map-elements-how-to-guide-map-making/
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
Grade Descriptors
These grade descriptors provide a general guide to the standard and quality of work expected at
each grade. They should be considered in conjunction with the assignment instructions. Keep in
mind that your work will be assessed based on how well you meet these qualitative standards, rather
than the number of standards you meet.
High Distinction (HD)
• Outstanding or exceptional work clearly demonstrating originality and a flair for the subject
• Demonstration of initiative and complex understanding in applying spatial analysis and modelling
principles
• Evidence of independent and extensive reading and use of high-quality peer-reviewed
information to support arguments
• Arguments clearly articulated, work is well written, shows clarity of thought and excellent
expression of ideas.
• Very high standard of presentation and interpretation of analytical results
• Consistent citation and referencing without error
• Grammar and spelling accurate.
• Figures and tables clearly presented with descriptive captions and sourced appropriately
An award of HD is an exceptional achievement
Distinction (D)
• Demonstration of high-level aptitude for the subject area and strong understanding of the
material.
• Evidence of independent thought and critical thinking in applying spatial analysis and modelling
principles.
• Work is well written, shows clarity of thought and expression of ideas.
• Very high standard of presentation and interpretation of analytical results.
• Consistent citation and referencing without error
• Grammar and spelling accurate.
• Figures and tables clearly presented with descriptive captions and sourced appropriately.
An award at the D level is an excellent achievement.
Credit (C)
• Evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts
• Some evidence of independent thought and critical thinking in applying spatial analysis and
modelling principles.
• Thorough understanding of material presented in practical sessions, lectures and readings
• Good written expression and clear interpretation and presentation of analytical results
• Consistent citation and referencing
• Few grammatical or typographical errors
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
• Figures and tables clearly presented with descriptive captions and sourced appropriately.
An award at the C level is a good achievement.
Pass (P)
• Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts
• Ability to apply spatial analysis and modelling principles in addressing problems
• There may be significant analytical errors or omissions
• Minimal interpretation of analytical results and ideas
• Meaning apparent but writing style not always fluent or well organised
• Attempts at incorporating and citing literature
• Grammatical and typographical errors may be present
An award at the P level is satisfactory, and should be considered a ‘threshold’ achievement.
Fail (F)
• Fails to satisfy minimum requirements
• Demonstrates unsatisfactory or inadequate level of understanding of subject area
• Demonstrates minimal relevant knowledge or understanding of principles and concepts
• Limited application of spatial analysis and modelling principles in addressing problems
• Poor expression, with numerous typographical and grammatical errors
• Figures, tables and maps poorly presented, not captioned or inappropriately sourced.
An award at the F level is unsatisfactory and below the threshold standard for achievement in this
unit of study.
ENVX3001/GEOS3014
APPENDIX A - Map Production
Presenting the results of a spatial analysis model is an important aspect of any GIS application as it
often forms the basis for assessing the implications of the analysis.
Refer to the following link for guidelines on cartographic style.
http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0112/make-maps-people-want-to-look-at.html
Map Compilation
A typical map depicts:
1. Information that represents the real world (geographic features)
2. Information that helps the reader interpret the geographic features (cartographic features)
Geographic information is extracted from the spatial data set (coverage, grid, shapefile etc.) and is
graphically displayed on the map using symbols (e.g. a thin blue line representing bathymetric
contours).
Cartographic elements include map components such as titles, legends, north arrows and scale bars.
When preparing a hardcopy map you need to consider the purpose of the map and the target
audience. What message does the map need to convey? Is it a reference map or does it need to
influence a person’s activity such as a recreational facilities or tree health map? Will the map be used
by engineers, campus manager or policy makers? The arrangement of both geographic and
cartographic features on the map should reflect both these considerations. For more information on
map design and cartography refer to How to Lie with Maps, M. Monmonier, 1991, The University of
Chicago Press.
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