Geog 747 - Watersheds

Geography 747, Seminar in Physical Geography

Mapping and Measuring Human Impacts on Geomorphic Systems

Instructor: Allan James AJames@sc.edu

Spring, 2018

This research seminar will examine impacts of human activities on river systems and how these changes can be mapped using modern geospatial methods in conjunction with field and laboratory work. A focus of the seminar will be on the collection of large-scale imagery and development of large-scale maps of fluvial channel systems. By combining aerial imagery acquisition by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and point-cloud generation by Structure from Motion (SfM) software processing we have entered a new period in which accurate, low-budget, large-scale maps can be rapidly produced. This seminar will focus on reading and discussing modern scientific literature on the geomorphic systems, the nature of human disturbances to these systems, and new technologies that allow precise mapping of the systems. Visual geomorphic and geologic interpretations of aerial images—practically a lost art—will be covered. Readings will include recent literature on data acquisition procedures including establishment of ground control points (GCPs) and flight patterns designed to minimize map distortion. Field activities will include methods of sediment sampling, topographic surveying, and acquisition of aerial imagery*. Laboratory exercises will include sediment textural analysis in the BioGeomorphic sediment lab, and SfM image processing using Photoscan software by Agisoft.

Prerequisites. No prior experience with a UAS is required. Previous experience with geomorphology, large-scale mapping, or geographic information software is helpful but not required.

*We have two DJI drones (Phantom 3 and Phantom 4) at our disposal, but our ability to fly them may be constrained by USC rules and regulations, which are presently uncertain. At the bare minimum, UAV data will be provided and opportunities will be given to work off campus in the collection of data. Students are not expected to own or operate their own drones.