Remote Sensing for Earth Observation

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• List and discuss the advantageous features of remote sensing for the study of the Earth’s environment
• Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and appreciate some of the fundamental physical properties of radiation and their suitability for use in remote sensing
• Use appropriate techniques to produce clear products such as thematic maps.
• Define and explain the key concepts and terminology used in remote sensing
• Use computational skills in the analysis of spatial data.
• Explain how thematic maps may be derived from remotely sensed data
• Describe the properties of some major remote sensing systems.
• Analyse and interpret remotely sensed data.
• Conduct laboratory based analyses of remotely sensed data in an appropriate and safe manner.
• Appreciate some of the ways remote sensing may be used in the study of the Earth’s environment
• Summarise and discuss the interactions of radiation in visible to microwave wavelengths with the terrestrial environment, and with vegetation, soils and water in particular
• Pursue knowledge in an ordered way.
• Critically analyse literature on remote sensing.

The module utilises a combination of lectures and practical classes to develop students’ knowledge in a number of fundamental theoretical remote sensing principles: the theory of electromagnetic radiation, data formats and key characteristics of remotely sensed imagery. The module discusses the technical characteristics of a range of satellite platforms and instruments currently used for environmental monitoring. Through a series of practical classes, students will learn how to visually interpret, process, and analyse remotely sensed imagery from satellite sensors using state of the art image processing software. The theory underpinning concepts such as spatial and spectral image analysis, vegetation monitoring techniques and land cover classification methods will be covered the in lectures and then applied in the practical sessions. The module concludes with a series of lectures which review environmental applications of remote sensing.

Lectures and Practical Sessions

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.