Advances in technology to collect and process very large spatial datasets, such as drones and remote sensors, are increasingly helping us to better understand and manage our environment. Creating meaning and information from these ever-increasing large and complex data, though, is becoming very challenging. Geovisualisation facilitates the spatial understanding of things, concepts, conditions, processes or events in the human world. Adding extra dimensions to the analysis of spatial data, such as 3D (elevation) or 4D (time), allows us to represent in a more realistic way the dynamic and intricate nature of environmental processes and issues. Incorporating and interacting with this state-of-the-art analysis of spatial data within immersive and augmented reality environments, such as the CAVE2, provides insight beyond the pretty pictures and enhances the communication of results.
Biogeography: Mapping with drones
Biogeography is the science that attempts to document and understand spatial patterns of biological diversity through time. Students combine fieldwork activities and tools, including environmental mapping and species distribution modelling, to address topical issues relevant to the conservation of diversity and geography of nature in a changing climate context by tackling big questions such as the role of invasive species, urbanisation or climate change in the distribution of biodiversity. The course is becoming the first in Australia to offer students with the opportunity to actually use drones to collect data and analyse and communicate results through the unique immersive CAVE2 visualisation facility at USC.
Geo-visualisation
In this specialist GIS course, you will extend your GIS skills to the advanced practice of geovisualisation. Geovisualisation encompasses 2D, 2.5D, 3D and 4D visualisation of spatial information and their interoperability with other 3D systems. You will create and use visual representations to facilitate thinking, understanding, and knowledge construction about geospatial phenomena and help analyse natural resources and/or built environments.