The Lippe and Höxter University of Applied Science is the combination of the Lippe University of Applied Science (at Lemgo and Detmold) and the Höxter applied sciences department of the Paderborn university. Since the beginning of 2002 the new university of applied sciences includes the strong scientific and technical departments and also courses in ecology and sociology, business studies, design, languages and much more.
For more information see: www.fh-luh.de
Fast, easy access to data and course content is the target of the German Ministry of Education and Research with its support of the Notebook University at the Lippe and Höxter University of Applied Sciences.The project has two main emphases: on the one hand it enables mobile and flexible learning and on the other hand the student can use the computer systems in the field for recording digital data. 12 colibri devices have been procured for this purpose.
During a 16-month research project at Höxter of the Lippe and Höxter FH under the name of "interactive environmental analysis" concepts for teaching courses have been developed with an emphasis on digital recording of environmental data in the field. Tasks in the area of environmental protection are being processed with the assistance of field computers, measuring probes and recording software. Extremely accurate topographical points for a digital area model or roughness regions for flood simulations are recorded with this system. Another application is digital biotype mapping as an important base for preparation of the land map.
The initial decision in favour of procurement of the correct field computer was very difficult, because there is a number of very different models from a range of manufacturers on the market. A catalogue of requirements was prepared for assistance with the decision, including the following points:
After intensive examination of various field-capable notebooks and Tablet PCs the Lippe and Höxter University of Applied Science decided in favour of the colibri. Deciding features were the outstanding display properties of the device and the array of features.
Apart from the field computers GPS systems, groundwater probes and meteorological measuring system were also procured. The GPS, which is used for digital biotype mapping, is the Leica GS 5 with a backpack carrying system, which has an accuracy of up to 1-2 m. The GISPAD mobile geoinformation system from Con Terra is used for recording biotypes. It was specially developed for use with pen computers. It is used for digitising geometry and input of data in the field.
The students use this equipment for mapping in the field. The biotypes are classified by the mapping key of the Lower Saxony office for ecology after Olaf von Drachenfels. The GPS receiver is used for location in the field. They walk through the biotypes in the field to record linear or area measurements. This means a high standard of accuracy for point readings even in heavily wooded areas. The position data are transferred to the GIS using a standard data port (NMEA protocol). During a mapping exercise data such as biotypes, plants, characteristics are input into the program database along with the geographical elements. it can be saved at the end of a mapping unit as a shape file or transferred directly to an external stationary computer, e.g. for processing in ArcView. The digital biotype mapping offers a several advantages over the classical analogue methods:
Students using the new devices learn interactive and advanced working methods. Complex course content is easier to understand and the quality of the engineering course is improved. This also makes the Lippe-Höxter University of Applied Sciences particularly attractive for young people interested in engineering.
