The Summer Overseas Top Teachers Forum was successfully held at the research and talent introduction base for the Ecological Construction and Rural Revitalization along the Yellow River in Henan Province at the College of Geography and Environmental Science of Henan University from July 4th to July 30th, 2022. In this forum, Prof. Fang Qiu from the University of Texas at Dallas and Prof. Jay Lee from Kent State University delivered special reports entitled “Spatial Analysis and Model” and “Public Health GIS Spatial Analysis” through Voov Meeting, respectively. The reports were accessible online to a total of over 400 students.

Prof. Fang Qiu’s special report contains 15 special topics, mainly covering data utilization and transformation, data processing and modeling, and data spatial expression. Prof. Fang Qiu first introduced the properties of vector data and raster data and their mutual conversion, and demonstrated the conversion process. Next, he explained the operation principle of map algebra and basic spatial model in ArcGIS Pro, and detailed the processing of slope, aspect, and DEM. On this basis, he introduced regional statistical analysis and regional interpolation to the students, as well as distance analysis, including the calculation principles and processes of Euclidean distance and cost distance. He then explained the principles of 3D analysis and surface hydrology modeling and demonstrated the specific operation process based on the above data processing and analysis. Prof. Fang Qiu also elaborated the classification, advantages, and disadvantages of spatial interpolation, focusing on the Kriging interpolation method, illustrated how to perform network analysis, and demonstrated to how to construct models by integrating various tools to solve complex practical problems.

Prof. Jay Lee’s special report contains 10 special topics, which explain profound theories in simple language and demonstrate how to analyze and plot health information and the knowledge and skills of plotting health information vividly to the students.

He first introduced the common acquisition methods and formats of spatial health data, and explained the simple analysis process and utilization of health data.

Then, he described the plotting of health information and the software used, as well as how to perform spatial cluster analysis of health events. The relationship between the environment and health was further analyzed along with the risks and spread of infectious diseases.

Subsequently, he elucidated the main vectors of disease transmission from the perspective of ecology, analyzed the similarities and differences in access to medical services in different regions, and presented relevant research results. Particularly, Prof. Jay Lee taught the students the knowledge and skills to analyze and plot the spread of infectious diseases so that they can better analyze health information from a geographic perspective.

Prof. Fang Qiu and Prof. Jay Lee expounded on the new progress in their respective research fields in simple language in their substantial and novel reports, which stimulated the enthusiasm for discussion among the students. A wealth of knowledge was delivered in a warm and active academic atmosphere, engaging students to the fullest. The reports provided an excellent academic platform for the students where they learn to understand the academic frontier, broaden their academic horizons, and enrich their knowledge and skills.

Following this success, in August, Prof. David Kaplan of Kent State University will bring a special report entitled “Planning, Transportation and Urban Form” to HENU. We sincerely welcome all of you students to join us to interact with top overseas professors and achieve all-around self-improvement. The picture below shows the presentation schedule and participation method of Prof. David Kaplan’s report.

Resource: College of Geography and Environmental