What you think about this topic for a thesis or dissertation in an M.Sc., ”Forest conservation planning by multi-criteria decision making approach using GIS”?

Answer 1

Hello,

I think this is a great topic for a M.Sc. topic. For my Masters topic I did Determining Early Successional Habitat for the New England Cottontail. Conservation mapping is a big research item because there isn't always a bunch of money to contribute towards it.

I would suggest thinking about the following

1. What is the basis your application will be hosted. (Are you planning on using python)
2. Do you have the data available to perform the work. (I was able to use DEM models but my collegue at the time worked with the raw LiDAR files to extract canopy information).
3. What is your time frame? (Be careful not to create a huge project. This is a great idea and once you start you will discover a plethora of ideas and possibilities creating complexity. Don't take on more than you can handle.

The biggest thing I can think of though is why you are doing this for conservation. What is your reason to pursue this idea. Having something person that you are passionate about will directly affect how the work comes out. The more passionate you are the better the thesis.

If you would like to talk more in depth about ideas I would be more than happy to discuss and help you organize your thoughts. I think you are one a good track with the idea and I wish you the best of luck.