Processing instructions

Have a good look at the task you have been assigned and the case material available. Determine from the case material which habitats you would like to process and map. Carefully consider which GIS-data, GIS-tools, and GIS-methods are necessary to solve the given problem. Even in this early phase you should spend some time thinking about the map layout and your presentation and about which software you will use for these tasks.

You are required to write a learning diary from this phase onwards. Please use the Learning Diary template. Learning diary.

Compiling a task plan

Organize and plan your work sequence – from planning to presentation – using a task plan. Set milestones and estimate the time required for each task. At the end of a phase, compare the time it took to actually complete the task to your target time. Please use the Task Plan template. Task plan.

Do not underestimate the effort required to compile an informative, ambitious thematic map.

Creating workflow diagrams

Set up two workflow diagrams for processing GIS data (one per animal species). First develop a rough concept for your workflow diagrams which includes at least the following information:

1. input data
2. how the input data are combined (your solution strategy)
3. output data and results.

This first draft is not meant to be a perfect proposal for solution but your main idea and solution strategy should become clear.
You will present your task plan and your workflow diagram to your class and discuss them with your classmates. After successfully completing this phase (green light from your supervisor) you may begin the realization phase.

The trial-and-error experience during the realization phase will help you to continuously refine your workflow diagram and eventually to come up with detailed diagrams showing your approach and the corresponding process steps.

Proceed with your data processing, analysis and preparation according to your task plan and workflow diagram. Refine your diagram step by step to show your approach in a traceable way.

The expected results for this phase are:

• data processing
• the refinement of your work sequence diagram
• the analysis and cartographic representation of the results (if possible with quantitative analysis)
• the production of graphs for the final presentation in which you will explain your approach by means of the iteratively built workflow diagram and present your results (thematic maps for the information boards)

The thematic maps should display the results of your habitat analyses for both species. The layout design must conform to cartographic requirements. You can select a suitable map sheet size.

During the final event you will give a 10 minute presentation (for instance a PowerPoint presentation), which includes your approach and your maps. Following the presentation there will be a discussion.

Since different solution strategies are possible, this phase will allow you to get to know and discuss the strategies that your fellow students used.

Your evaluation of your work will be based on:

• Your preparation of the task plan and the workflow diagrams
• Your realization and refinement of the workflow diagrams
• Your transformation of the GIS data to thematic maps with particular focus on the layout
• Your presentation
• Your participation during the sessions (discussions)

Precondition for verification: Your approach and learning reflections written in your learning diary have to be comprehensible to your supervisor.

This phase does not require your active participation.