PhD Study : Investigating remotely sensed imagery from UAVs to map hedgerows in an agricultural landscape.

Apply and key information  

Summary

Hedgerows fulfil a variety of functions in agricultural landscapes such as protecting against soil erosion, acting as seed refuges and mitigating against the spread of pollutants (Baudry et al., 2000). Changes in European agricultural policies have led to a need for rapid and regular approaches for mapping landscape features. Traditional approaches for mapping landscape features have focussed on manual digitising which is time-consuming and expensive (Lotfi et al., 2010). While studies have shown potential for remote sensing to detect hedgerows, they are limited by low spatial resolution and discrepancies between dates of imagery (Vannier & Hubert-Moy, 2014). The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for capturing very high spatial resolution imagery along with point cloud data is likely to lead to important developments in hedgerow mapping (Diaz-Varela et al., 2014).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 29 June 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
mid July 2018

Preferred student start date
September 2018

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Dr Paul McKenzie

Other supervisors