Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enable students to learn and understand the physical principles behind satellite and airborne Earth observation technologies. An understanding is developed of the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, characteristics of sensors and platforms and basics of digital image processing. Students will gain an appreciation of the remote sensing workflow for applications within the geosciences, also those related to global environmental and sustainability challenges. The students will gain familiarity with Earth Observation data sources and image processing software through practical exercises of real-world examples.

Outline Of Syllabus

The students learn about the nature of electromagnetic radiation and its interactions with the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. The module includes the description of various platforms, sensors with their resolutions and characteristics. The modules provides an introduction to photography, radar and laser scanning. It also includes Earth Observation data acquisition and remote sensing processing workflows. The module provides digital image processing techniques including image display and enhancement, filtering, pre-processing and classification techniques for thematic mapping.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to (C1, C2, C3):
- Define and explain remote sensing principles as well as
- understand concepts underlying satellite and airborne–based Earth Observation data acquisition and processing;
- Describe and choose the optimal technology from a range of platforms and sensor types depending on the application, related to global sustainability challenges.
- Generate maps to quantitatively describe and monitor the Earth’s surface features.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to (C1, C2, C3):
-       Apply analytical and numerical skills to the processing and interpretation of photographic and remotely sensed Earth Observation data;
-       Apply fundamental image processing techniques for generating thematic maps;
-       Use fundamental digital tools in Erdas/ArcPro processing software.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge, understanding and background theory is primarily taught through in-person lectures, supported by practical sessions that build on this understanding and allow the development of skills in image processing and interpretation in more applied contexts.

Alternative will be offered to students who are unable to be present in person.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A formal examination will be used to assess understanding of theoretical concepts in Earth Observation data processing methods and operational considerations, accounting for the majority of summative module assessment (70%).

Online Canvas quizzes (15%), able to be undertaken and completed within timetabled practical sessions, will be used to ensure engagement of students with image processing aspects of the module, a practice (formative) quiz will be taken after the first practical. Finally students will be asked to complete a short essay (15%) independently, to assess their skills on understanding fundamental processing workflows with Earth Observation data, which form a key pre-requisite to a later Earth Observation module (CEG2709).

General Notes

N/A