Land Use Observation Project
Student Learning Objectives and Outlines
Dr. M. Mustoe Eastern Oregon University
This complete project is due on the day of the final.
Introduction
One of the goals of the Land Use and Environment 317 class is to expose students to the scientific analysis of
geographic research in an applied setting. Although limited in
time, the curriculum attempts to include as many contemporary
land use issues as possible and to try to facilitate students
in practical field study. Some of the issues discussed in the
class include human problems, such as runoff and pollution, as
well as natural problems such as physiological limitations to
soils and the potential for natural disasters.
The culmination of this study is a paper/oral project that approaches
land use and environmental issues as applied to a plot of land
selected by the student. Through this experience the student is
expected to gain valuable inquiry, analytical, and presentation
skills which relate to a scientific investigation of the designated
land. Thus, the project is kinesthetic in nature and complementary
of the theme of Geog 317. In finality the project should emulate
a surficial survey of land, appended with a projected feasibility
component related to the nature of the research. That is: Here
is the land, Here is what its about, Here is the projected value
of this land's use.
The end product of this experience is a concise written (typed) report which deals with specific land use feasibility issues associated with the plot and, tied to this report, an oral presentation detailing the investigation, synthesizing its data, and presenting and outcome of the investigation. A detailed step-by- step outline of the process the student should follow to successfully complete this experience is listed below.
Step 1
The student should decide on a plot of
land. This can be urban or rural or elsewhere within that matrix.
It should be a piece of land of personal interest to the student
and not so diverse or so miniscule to present a problem gather
data about the land.
Step 2
The plot needs to be spatial delineated,
that is, mapped. It's boundaries need to be defined and some form
of tangible map developed so it can be used in the presentation
to define specific aspects of the land.
Step 3
An objective proposal needs to be considered
within the scope of the investigation that will ensue. What will
the scope of this investigation entail? Will the survey focus
on physical characteristics or cultural or both?
Step 4
Gather the appropriate data. Use ethnographic
sources, official government sources, collected observed field
data. Whatever means you use as sources, an appropriate bibliography
needs to accompany the paper (which includes citations) (Chicago
or whatever style you prefer) that ties the data to valid informational
sources.
Step 5
Construct a substantive report of an appropriate
length. Produce a presentation which should run no longer than
15 to 20 minutes.
Specific Outline Goals
Although you may treat the following as
a model or guide, it should be understood that this is a basic
structure which is minimalist at best. It is up to the student
to consider what needs to further investigated and presented so
as to augment the substance of the report.
At the least this report should include the following outline:
I. Name
II. Introduction to the land area including a map
III. A statement of the problem of investigation.
i.e. Will this land be a viable choice for my used car lot?
Will I be able to build my direct marketing asparagus stand here
so as to take advantage of the access to the oiled highway?
IV. A review of the human and physical characteristics
of this land:
i.e. Is it close to rail access? Does a river run through it?
What defines its Lithographic, Atmospheric, Political, Social,
or/and Natural, spatial character.
V. Projected Feasibility of the lands use.
i.e. From my study, is it feasible to do with this land what I
want to. If not why, if so why.
VI. Conclusions
VII. Bibliography
Additional Ideas and Aspects To Consider
a. SITE ECOLOGY, which may include, identification of flora or
fauna.
b. SITE ECOLOGY, which may include special human problems such
as litter.
c. SITE ECONOMICS, which may include locational themes such as
adjacent business locations.
d. SITE ECONOMICS, which may include land use suggestions within
zone restrictions.
e. SITE HISTORY, which may include cultural themes, such as property
ownership or architectural structures.
e. SITE TOPOGRAPHY, which may include surface descriptions outside
of the soil survey such as natural drainage tendency.
f. SITE TRANSPORTATION, which may include themes such as accessibility,
distance surveys, traffic counts.
g. SITE REGIONALITY, which may include descriptions of how the
site is linked or being used within the county.
h. A special approved topic.
Union County Oregon Resource List
Oregon
State Planning Agencies
Soil
Conservation Service Union County (Natural Resources Conservation
Services)
Soil
Survey Map References
State
Listing of Oregon Agencies
Oregon
Soil Conservation
Northeast Oregon Economic
Development
La
Grande City
Union County Chamber
Union
County Resources
Baker
County Sources
USGS Data Base Maps for Oregon
NMFS
Northwest
Eastern Oregon
Visitors
La
Grande Observer
EOU
Library