Explore the process of capturing a vector spatial
data set that meets the data specification for a particular application. The data set
you are going to create is a historical land cover map (see definition for land cover
below) of an urban area. In terms of an application you can assume you are working
for an environmental consultancy who have been asked to map the assigned area
with a review to regeneration. You will be supplied with a geometrically corrected
RGB aerial photograph of the urban area, which covers part of Salford, UK, and you
are required to create a vector-based data set from that aerial photograph for use in
ArcGIS (or an equivalent GIS package). The deliverable from this process will be a
written report outlining the process you have gone through to create the data set; a properly scaled image
of the map you have created; associated metadata; and an
evaluation of the approach you have taken.
Definition of Land Cover:
“Land cover refers to the physical and biological cover over the surface of the Earth,
including water, vegetation, bare soil or rock” (Sultana and Powell, 2010: 1726).
Added to this basic definition you could also include manmade surface types, such
as concrete and tarmac. The key thing with land cover is that you do not try to
interpret a use for the surface types identified.
Reference: Sultana, S. and Powell, W.T., 2010. Land Use. In Warf, G., editor,
Encyclopaedia of Geography. Sage Reference: Los Angeles, London, New Delhi,
Singapore, Washington D.C. pp. 1726 – 1732.
Aerial Photography
You will each be provided with an RGB aerial photo of part of Salford. This
photography is copyrighted and so should not be used for any other purpose than
this assignment.
The aerial photo is panchromatic and has a spatial resolution of 25cm, and dates
from the early 2000s.
Your report should comprise the following elements:

1. Preparation – Consider the function of a land cover map and identify what
   features you will include in your map and how you might represent those
   features (i.e. as points, lines or polygons). Examine the aerial photograph
   and identify issues with it as a data source for a land cover map). [30%]
2. Data capture strategy – Identification and justification of the approach to
   be taken, data standards to be used (i.e. metadata standards) and how any
   limitations with the aerial photograph as a data source will be addressed.
   Remember to explain what type of metadata you will create (i.e. is it for
   discovery or is it for detailed assessment of features) [30%]
3. Data capture – this section should include a copy of your map embedded
   as an image in your report, and a copy of the accompanying metadata you
   have created. [30%]
4. Evaluation – including a review of your map against other similar map
   products for the same area (if any are available), and a critical disc