Abstract
<p>Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Spatial Science degree at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) receive instruction in the spatial sciences with a focus on hands-on applications. All undergraduate students take the course Introduction to Spatial Science which includes a comprehensive overview of spatial science incorporating a comparison of standard inexpensive area assessment techniques with high-end computer based area assessment methodologies. Students within this course were instructed how to assess the area of a surface feature on an aerial image with a ruler applying the transect method. Student’s average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between a student’s transect derived area and surveyed area was 0.45, 0.13, 0.07, and 0.02 acres for 5, 10, 15, and 20 transect lines, respectfully. An ANOVA analysis of area assessment and area error assessment indicated that mean area and mean absolute area error were statistically different between transect line groups. In addition, the accuracy of area measured increased significantly as the number of transect lines increased which: (1) indicates students receiving hands-on instruction in estimating area using the transect method can record accurate area measurements after only a limited 2 hour introduction; (2) reveals the accuracy of the transect method is not user dependent; (3) shows area accuracy increases as the number of transects increases; and, (4) validates the interactive hands-on instruction methodology employed at SFASU.</p>
Highlights
Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in spatial science technology within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) at Stephen F
To facilitate their career objectives undergraduate coursework within ATCOFA focuses on hands-on instruction, field exercises, and real-world applications technology and learn that precision and accuracy with field measurements is essential in spatial science analysis (Unger, Hung, Zhang, & Kulhavy, 2014; Unger, Kulhavy, Hung, & Zhang, 2014; Kulhavy, Unger, Zhang, Bedford, & Hung, 2016)
The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between a student’s transect derived area and surveyed area was 0.45, 0.13, 0.07, and 0.02 acres for 5, 10, 15, and 20 transect lines, respectfully (Table 2). This reconfirms that the error of area measurement reduces when more transect lines are drawn on the aerial image for estimating the acreage of an area of interest
Summary
Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in spatial science technology within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) at Stephen F. Students who decide to attend ATCOFA do so because they have chosen to pursue a career path based on three main items of concern where they can: make a difference, work outdoors, and use high end technology. To facilitate their career objectives undergraduate coursework within ATCOFA focuses on hands-on instruction, field exercises, and real-world applications technology and learn that precision and accuracy with field measurements is essential in spatial science analysis (Unger, Hung, Zhang, & Kulhavy, 2014; Unger, Kulhavy, Hung, & Zhang, 2014; Kulhavy, Unger, Zhang, Bedford, & Hung, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
