Environmental Remote Sensing module (EV31003)

Remote sensing techniques and technologies are often the only means to measure or estimate environmental information. This is often referred to as Earth Observation. These techniques and technologies are critical to understanding topics such as:

• climate change
• carbon budgets
• ocean circulation
• landscape
• aspects of social change

This module explores how and why remote sensing can provide this information. It will also look at the ways in which such information can be extracted from digital images. The module will also cover some of the environmental applications to which remote sensing has been of benefit.

You will particularly focus on the role and recent impacts of remote sensing. This includes understanding, measuring, and predicting global environmental change.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. You will also learn how electromagnetic radiation interacts with different Earth surface materials
• get hands-on experience in processing satellite images. You will also extract information that is useful for environmental applications
• explore the latest passive and active satellite and airborne sensors. This includes multispectral, radar, and laser scanning systems. You will also learn how these can be used for a range of environmental issues

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• outline the fundamental principles of Remote Sensing
• use ERDAS Imagine Image Processing Software in a technically competent manner
• describe and evaluate a range of remote sensing types and data sources. You will also be able to evaluate the kinds of information that each provides. This will allow you to understand and monitor our environment.
• illustrate and discuss the contested and provisional nature of knowledge and understanding
• effectively and appropriately select, analyse, and present information obtained from remote sensing analysis
• draw on the module-specific learning. This will allow you to apply this to a sustained piece of independent study. This will allow you to produce extended pieces of coursework
• communicate ideas, principles, and theories effectively and fluently by written means

Assignments / assessment

• two laboratory reports (50%)
• problem solving project report (50%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
  • in-person lectures with materials and readings provided in advance
  • lectures are recorded to help support your learning but are not live-streamed
• workshops
  • hands-on experience in viewing and analysing a range of remotely sensed data
  • experience in using industry-standard image processing software