The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Alan's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Alan
Dr Alan Smith BSc (Hons) MRes PhD PGCAP FHEA FRGS I am a Lecturer in Geography (GIS) in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth. My research interests include GIS, spatial analysis, population geography, quantitative methods and natural hazard risk assessment. I am an ONS Accredited Researcher and member of the ESRC Peer Review College. Responsibilities- Chair of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) South West Region
- PI of the ESRC funded project 'Watpop: understanding seasonal population change'
- Geography Stage 1 Leader
Supervised Research Degrees
PhD student(s)- Dr Kate Rawlings (2020), Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton
- Kezz Millard (2023 - present), Environmental Science, University of Plymouth
Teaching
My teaching interests (undergraduate and postgraduate) are also informed by my active research and broadly fall within the following themes:- Spatial analytical skills and big data
- Applied geospatial skills (GIS) for independent projects and in the field
- Natural hazard risk assessment, causes and consequences
- Population geography
- Advanced quantitative methods
I currently lead, teach and have developed all or aspects of the following modules:
GGX1207 Our Digital Planet
This module explores some of the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. It introduces data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques using real-world examples.
ENVM1001 Environment and Society
This module examines the role of human society, organisations and individuals in environmental management and sustainability, through case studies in the local area. It examines the concepts of environmental narratives, environmental consumption and behaviours, agency and change leadership and show that environmental management can be addressed on scales from the global to the local and from the present to the future. GGX2203 Geographic Information Systems
This module provides a grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work. GGX3204 Big Data and Spatial Analytics
This module provides an overview of advanced geographical information system (GIS) concepts and facilitates further practice of analytical skills. The concept of ‘big data’ is explored within the geographical context. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis and application of big data are introduced. Examples within geography are demonstrated across the natural and social sciences.
And contribute to the following: GGX2204 Fieldwork in Geography
Developer and leader of the Western Australia field course.
And contribute to the following:
GGX3200 Dissertation in Geography (BA/BSc) GEES523 Quantitative Research in Human Geography (MRes) GEES520 MSc Dissertation GEES535 Terrestrial Environmental Sensors and Big Data (MSc) GEES534 Water Management and Sustainability in Mining (MSc)
