Aerial Photograph and Map Interpretation RENR 1120

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• List the most common information that is found on contour, thematic, planimetric and cadastral maps.
• Use the National Topographic System (NTS) & British Columbia Geographic System (BCGS) indexing systems to reference maps.
• Describe map projections, map datums and coordinate systems frequently used in resource mapping.
• Describe how map projections, map datums and coordinate systems impact field work and mapping.
• Plot map locations using UTM, Geographic & BC Albers coordinate systems.
• Use scales to calculate distances, directions, slopes and areas on maps and aerial imagery.
• Determine true North, magnetic North and grid North for an area
• Orient maps, aerial photographs and other images for planning and field applications
• Use contours to determine aspect, slope position, slope shape, steepness, and watershed boundaries.
• Differentiate linear features and general vegetation types on aerial imagery.
• Recognize common land use features and patterns on aerial imagery.
• Recognize common topographic features on maps, aerial photographs, and imagery.
• Identify potential control (tie) points and/or monuments on aerial photographs and maps and locate the points on the ground
• Identify the location of Biogeoclimatic units on aerial imagery
• Access and use aerial photographs and general mapping tools (online and paper based) to plan safe, timely and efficient routes to field sites.
• Use a navigational grade GPS to create and locate waypoints, tracks and follow routes
• Collect GPS point and line data with a navigational grade GPS

Effective as of Fall 2015