Forest Operations 162 – Basic Geomatics for Natural Resources (FOPR 162) provides the basic theory and practical application that professionals and researchers must understand in order to complete measurements and surveys in field conditions. FOPR 162 has been designed for individuals who are already employed in an area of natural resources. The distance education platform gives students the flexibility necessary to balance both their careers and their education.
Geomatics, as it applies to FOPR 162, refers to ‘earth measurements’. This includes measuring, surveying, navigating, and orienteering, with an emphasis on the applying these skills to the study and management of natural resources. First and foremost, students will learn how to “not get lost in the woods”. Once they have mastered this vital skill, students learn many other practical techniques for measuring, navigating, mapping, and performing calculations in outdoor environments.
Through WebCT Vista, FOPR 162 is divided into six lessons: students learn geomatic theory and are then given practical assignments that allow students to apply their knowledge to real world situations. Assignments require both outdoor work and written reports, all of which are customized to each students’ personal circumstances. In addition, those taking FOPR 162 will work with various instruments used for measuring, surveying, and navigating. This unique feature of the course requires constant contact between the instructor and the student to coordinate their location, and field of study. This can be done through an array of communication media such as online discussion, email, or telephone. Those who prefer to work in teams, rather than individually, have the opportunity to participate in group workshops or “lab” camps. Subject to demand, these camps are three days long, and are held in the Vancouver area in late April. Alternatively, students can partake in the camp in the Williams Lake area in late August. While these camps are beneficial to those who learn best in a group environment, they require additional fees to cover room, board, and other costs.
As an educator, Dennis Bendickson has a unique opportunity as the course instructor of FOPR 162. He notes that “the field component of this course, and the need to communicate with students about their personal circumstances in order to customize the assignments allows me to get to know the student beyond the superficial level of most [on-campus] courses.” This course is a beneficial addition to any professional employed in a natural resources or recreational orienteering field, and provides individuals with a practical way to upgrade their knowledge on geomatics while studying around their work schedule.