GEOG3051

GEOG3051: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE OF REMOTE SENSING
Convenor: Prof P Lewis.

Unit value: 0.5 units

Year: 3   Term: 1

Course description
The module will provide an introduction to the concepts and principles of remote sensing in both the optical and microwave domains. The first part of the course will extend the basic introduction to image handling and analysis first gained in GEOG2021 through a series of practical sessions, over the first 4 weeks. These sessions will introduce data extraction and processing using UNIX tools, and is intended to develop basic programming skills for handling image data. The lecture part of the course, starting in week 5 will include the physical bases of remote sensing: basic laws of electromagnetic radiation; absorption, reflection and emission in the optical and thermal domains; atmospheric effects; radiation interactions with the surface; spatial resolution; temporal resolution; sensor design considerations; orbits and swaths; applications of optical remote sensing, particularly of the terrestrial surface and vegetation. The course also provides an introduction to RADAR remote sensing including: RADAR remote sensing instruments and techniques; RADAR interactions with the terrestrial surface; synthetic aperture RADAR; RADAR interferometry and applications.

Intended learning outcomes
Students will acquire a practical understanding of handling image data, and develop programming skills to allow them to open and manipulate remotely sensed data in commonly-used image formats using various tools. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles underlying remote sensing in the optical and microwave domains, as well as the trade-offs used in instrument design and operation. Students will be able to discuss these fundamental principles in relation to various applications of remote sensing. They will be able to derive solutions to simple problems regarding the application of the various fundamental principles covered.

Method of Teaching
Lectures and practicals.

Form of Assessment
3 hour exam.

Pre-requisites and Relationships to other Courses
Students must have taken GEOG2021: Environmental Remote Sensing in their second year.

Suggested Reading
Jensen, John R. (2006) Remote Sensing of the Environment: an Earth Resources Perspective, Hall and Prentice, New Jersey, 2nded.
Jones, H. and Vaughan, R. (2010, paperback) Remote Sensing of Vegetation: Principles, Techniques, and Applications, OUP, Oxford.
Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. and Chipman, J. (2004) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. John Wiley and Sons, NY, 5th ed..
Monteith, J. L and Unsworth, M. H. (1990) Principles of Environmental Physics, Edward Arnold: Routledge, Chapman and Hall, NY, 2nded.
Rees, W. G. (2001, 2nd ed.).Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, Cambridge Univ. Press.
Warner, T. A., Nellis, M. D. and Foody, G. M. eds. (2009) The SAGE Handbook of Remote Sensing (Hardcover).Limited depth, but very wide-ranging – excellent reference book.