2010-2011 Academic Catalog

Dec 21, 2024

2010-2011 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GEOG 379 - GIS & Accuracy Assessment

This course investigates methods of quantitative analysis that are typically used in accuracy assessment and map comparison. The course focuses on the mathematical foundations of the general methods, while each technique is illustrated with data such as vegetation indices, land covers, and biodiversity potentials. We examine the advantages, disadvantages, and interpretations of the most common metrics such as Producer’s Accuracy, User’s Accuracy, Kappa, Pierce Skill Score, Figure of Merit, Relative Operating Characteristic, Mean Absolute Error, and Root Mean Square Error. We analyze a philosophy of map comparison that focuses on components of agreement and disagreement between maps. There are lectures in a classroom and computer exercises in a laboratory. Class discussions focus on proper use of these metrics in the context of landscape modeling for the sake of management of land, water, and carbon dioxide. This course has a Formal Analysis designation.

Prerequisites: The prerequisite is GEOG 190 - Intro to Geographic Information System and high school level algebra.

Cross Listed: EN 235, GEOG 279, IDCE 392

Instructor: Mr. Pontius

When Offered: Offered alternate years

Faculty: Robert Gilmore Pontius Jr, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of IDCE and Geography