Final Project - Geography 243 - Remote Sensing

The final project should ask and answer a question (or questions) of substantive importance that utilizes in some way the remote sensing techniques and technology that we have begun to master this term.  In most cases students choose to apply either techniques associated with LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION or CHANGE ANALYSIS to particular sites in an area that they have some familiarity with.  The access that we have to global Landsat imagery makes it feasible for students to pursue research anywhere in the world where suitable imagery is available.  These projects may be done in groups of two - groups are highly recommended.  This type of research presupposes (in most cases) a scientific approach to producing claims to truth. A model I have found for projects that can work well consists of:

1. An abstract
2. An introductory discussion that sets the context for the problem to be addressed (This section would most normally include a brief review of the existing literature that bears on the problem.)
3. A hypothesis (or, less formally, a research question or problem)
4. A discussion of your planned research methodology or your approach to the solution of the problem
5. A discussion of the actual research and how it was carried out
6. An assessment of the success of the research (Was the hypothesis supported? Was the question successfully answered? Was it partially answered? Why?)
7. A suggestion for further research and a possible reassessment of the initial hypothesis
8. A list of references used in the completion of the project
9. A paper copy of the first page of all references used in the project.

Each paper should include no less than five (5) references drawn from relevant scientific literature (web sites don't count, although if they are used they should be cited).  Much of the journal literature that we use today is accessed through the Internet - this is normal and recommended.  When you find a pdf file of a journal article this counts as a reference - in this case the Internet serves as a channel for providing access to a refereed, published article.  You are required to provide as an attachment to your project paper copies of the first page of each reference that you use in your paper. These should be stapled together and attached to the paper using a paperclip.

The principal journals in remote sensing are Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (in our library, call number PER. 526.05 P575a) and International Journal of Remote Sensing (in library - available as e-journal). You can find summaries of papers from these and other journals in GEO Abstracts (G. Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, and GIS) in the Reference Department, and the papers can be ordered through interlibrary loan.  Citations should be formatted using the Chicago Manual of Style (use the online guide to resolve questions).

Now a few words about collaborative writing…

Please adapt the first Mayor Daley's dictum about voting to your writing: write early, and write often. Know that most progress comes in revising, not drafting, so write and rewrite. Ask yourself:

• Can I read this aloud and not trip over words and sentences?
• Does this explicitly say what I really want it to say?
• Does the first page set out the issue and the way it is to be addressed?
• Do the section headings follow in some clear order?
• Do I have a conclusion that concludes?

Then go back and rewrite and rewrite. Finally, when you think your work is completed get a strong cup of coffee, find a quiet place, and go through your writing sentence by sentence asking yourself:

• What does this sentence say?
• Does it say it clearly?
• What does it add to the paragraph?
• What does this paragraph add to the argument?
• Is the structure of the paper clear?
• Are all the references in the list of references?
• Are all the references complete?

Writing is a craft, and like all crafts requires practice and hard labor. Craft your writing; rework it; bend it to your will. If your writing is dull and boring, your reader will be bored. If it is sloppy, your ideas will be lost. Of course, no matter how good your writing, your ideas will have to be good, clear, and tight. Thinking, like writing, requires hard work and discipline.

Each final project will consist of a final paper of approximately 7-9 pages, double-spaced, no greater than 12-point Times Roman font (not including illustrations). Illustrations should be folded - you should feel free to produce a flat copy for your portfolio if you choose.  As always, I expect that these projects will be quite good.  Save a soft copy of your paper after you are finished.  I will request copies of the best papers with embedded images to place in a web gallery of outstanding student work.  The written final paper is due Monday, June 8, noon, although early submissions are welcome and accepted.  Email submissions will not be accepted - no exceptions.  Papers should be turned in in the Geography Office - suite 4300, 990 Fullerton.  Cheers!!