This module is taught within three broad areas. The first (i) introduces the main concepts of satellite remote sensing including electromagnetic radiation and its interaction at different wavelengths with the atmosphere and surface for both passive and active sensors. A second area (ii) focuses on sensor technology and data acquisition systems of the primary space based remote sensing platforms including; the COPERNICUS missions; Landsat; geostationary satellites; commercial platforms. The final component (iii) focuses on digital image processing - i.e. how images acquired by different satellites are analysed and interpreted to provide information on the Earth. The module is a combination of theoretical and practical based sessions using both commercial and open source software.
Lecture Topics include; Applications of Remote Sensing; Historical Development of Remote Sensing; Electromagnetic radiation; Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atmosphere; Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with a surface; Passive Remote Sensing; Active Remote Sensing; Resolution in Remote Sensing; Pre-processing digital satellite data; Image correction techniques; Spectral Ratioing; Pixel and Object based Classification; Convolution filters; Change detection, Spatial Models, Accuracy assessments.
Outcome:
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
Explain the factors influencing the generation of electromagnetic radiation.
Demonstrate knowledge of human visual systems, waveband selection and analysis.
Differentiate remote sensing functionality possible in the visible, near infrared, thermal infrared and microwave portions of the EM spectrum.
Identify and source the correct satellite datasets for specific applications.
Manipulate imagery through rectification, correction and visualisation.
Apply and evaluate classification/change detection imagery and quantify accuracy of outputs.
Automate image processing flow lines for scalable processing of large datasets.
