Dear Master and PhD students,
At the University Vienna we run a Master and PhD course about snow and avalanche hazard related topics in "Topics in Geodynamics - 3D mapping and geo-statistical data analysis: Case studies in high alpine terrain". The mandatory field excursion is from 31st of March till the 4th of April in the Paznaun valley in Tirol. We have some open spaces for international students. You can apply till February 27th (another 2 days) by writing an email to me: alex@snowscan.at
Course description:
The course will focus on high resolution/3D field measurement and mapping techniques essential for describing and analysing an Alpine landscape. To carry out the measurements students are trained to travel safe in hazardous terrain (avalanche terrain) During the course, students will gain experience in a variety of relevant measurement techniques such as LIDAR, DGPS, SfM-Photogrammetry, meteorological, glaciological and snow-related field techniques. Students will use different software packages to post-process and analyse the collected data to create a final map and another form of data synthesis with a mass movement (avalanche) related component (risk assessment).
Another part of the course presents Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms as geo-statistical tools for the solution of a number of
geophysical/geological inverse problems. The students will be introduced to the use of MC algorithms through practical supervised exercises in the lab for the solution of a simple surface reconstruction problem (i.e. 2D/3D interpolation).
The lectures covers a theoretical introduction on inverse problem theory and basic concepts about Monte Carlo approach. Three codes for MC algorithms will be presented/given to the students for solving the surface reconstruction problem with: (a) a fixed resolution algorithm (i.e. classical MC sampling); (b) an adaptive resolution algorithm (i.e. trans-dimensional MC sampling) and (c) an algorithm suitable for cases where uncertainties in the data-points is not fully acknowledged (i.e. using a "Hierarchical Bayes" approach). Algorithms presentation will put emphasis on the fundamental phases of the analysis of the inverse problem and the development of the MC algorithm. Students will be actively involved in the course, encouraged to present their own inverse problems with the aim of stimulating discussion about alternative MC algorithms for their solution.
The course contains an excursion (31.03. - 04.04.2019) to the Paznaun (Galtür) and Arlberg region where students gain hands-on experience in the relevant field techniques. It will be possible to analyse mass movement processes via blasting of avalanches. To join this course skiing or snowboarding skills are essential to be able to move to the test areas.
Best regards,
Alexander Prokop
At the University Vienna we run a Master and PhD course about snow and avalanche hazard related topics in "Topics in Geodynamics - 3D mapping and geo-statistical data analysis: Case studies in high alpine terrain". The mandatory field excursion is from 31st of March till the 4th of April in the Paznaun valley in Tirol. We have some open spaces for international students. You can apply till February 27th (another 2 days) by writing an email to me: alex@snowscan.at
Course description:
The course will focus on high resolution/3D field measurement and mapping techniques essential for describing and analysing an Alpine landscape. To carry out the measurements students are trained to travel safe in hazardous terrain (avalanche terrain) During the course, students will gain experience in a variety of relevant measurement techniques such as LIDAR, DGPS, SfM-Photogrammetry, meteorological, glaciological and snow-related field techniques. Students will use different software packages to post-process and analyse the collected data to create a final map and another form of data synthesis with a mass movement (avalanche) related component (risk assessment).
Another part of the course presents Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms as geo-statistical tools for the solution of a number of
geophysical/geological inverse problems. The students will be introduced to the use of MC algorithms through practical supervised exercises in the lab for the solution of a simple surface reconstruction problem (i.e. 2D/3D interpolation).
The lectures covers a theoretical introduction on inverse problem theory and basic concepts about Monte Carlo approach. Three codes for MC algorithms will be presented/given to the students for solving the surface reconstruction problem with: (a) a fixed resolution algorithm (i.e. classical MC sampling); (b) an adaptive resolution algorithm (i.e. trans-dimensional MC sampling) and (c) an algorithm suitable for cases where uncertainties in the data-points is not fully acknowledged (i.e. using a "Hierarchical Bayes" approach). Algorithms presentation will put emphasis on the fundamental phases of the analysis of the inverse problem and the development of the MC algorithm. Students will be actively involved in the course, encouraged to present their own inverse problems with the aim of stimulating discussion about alternative MC algorithms for their solution.
The course contains an excursion (31.03. - 04.04.2019) to the Paznaun (Galtür) and Arlberg region where students gain hands-on experience in the relevant field techniques. It will be possible to analyse mass movement processes via blasting of avalanches. To join this course skiing or snowboarding skills are essential to be able to move to the test areas.
Best regards,
Alexander Prokop
