THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2015/2016

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences)

Postgraduate Course: Fundamentals for Remote Sensing (PGGE11053)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course introduces the principles lying behind remote sensing, concentrating on space-borne platforms. The fundamentals of electro-magnetic (EM) radiation are explained, as are its interactions with Earth=s surface and atmosphere. The course goes on to examine sensor characteristics, satellite orbits and various current and future missions involving a range of sensors across the visible, radar and microwave components of the spectrum. When dealing with images, the skills of image processing are used to extract meaning and interpretation from the spatial relationships of data, and the basics of image processing are also taught. The course includes a large number of examples of applications of remote sensing to environmental questions.
Course description - Introduction to Remote Sensing & the Electromagnetic Spectrum (lecture)
- Basics of images and ERDAS (lecture and practical work)
- Image processing techniques (lecture and practical work)
- Observing techniques and applications: Lidar, Optical, Thermal and Passive Microwave (lectures)
- Overview and examination preparation (tutorial) and Classification (practical)
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 6, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 9, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 83 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 60 %, Coursework 40 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Assignment 20%
Report 20%
Exam 60% (comprising multiple choice questions and essay / numerical question)
Feedback Not entered
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours & Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Fundamentals for Remote Sensing1:30
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate detailed, integrated knowledge of the application and history of remote sensing;
- Discuss the nature of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with the earth's surface and atmosphere;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the differences between remote sensing systems and be aware of their characteristics and limitations;
- Competently interpret, process and evaluate remotely sensed images and be able to use remote sensing to achieve self-defined goals;
- Understand and use the language of image data to a professional standard in written reports;
- Critically identify specific applications where remote processing may be used as a tool for monitoring and research;
- Define and use appropriately basic concepts related to satellite orbits;
- Discuss with critical insight appropriate image processing techniques for specific purposes;
- Apply knowledge of image processing principles strategically to new problems.
Reading List
Lillesand, T. M. and Kiefer, R. W. (2004). Remote sensing and image interpretation. Fifth
Edition. Wiley, 736pp.
Campbell, J.B. (2002). Introduction to remote sensing. (3rd edition). Taylor and Francis
(or Guildford), London. 622pp.
Jensen, J.R. (2007). Remote sensing of the Environment: An earth resource perspective.
Second Edition, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey. 544 pp.
Rees, W. G., (2001) Physical principles of remote sensing 2nd ed, CUP.
Robinson I S (2005) Measuring Oceans from Space, Praxis.
Mather, P.M. (2004). Computer processing of remotely-sensed images: an introduction.
Third Edition. Wiley and Sons, Chichester. 292pp.
Jensen, J.R. (2005). Introductory digital image processing: A remote sensing approach. Third
Edition. Prentice-Hall.
Liu J G and Mason P J, Essential image processing and GIS for remote sensing, Wiley-
Blackwell, 2009, isbn: 978-0-470-510131-5
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills The aims of the option, in terms of students' transferable skills, are to:
- Allow students to engage with a range of theoretical ideas and practical
techniques in remote sensing;
- Have an understanding of some of the recent forefront developments;
- Enable students to interpret a variety of source material and be able to
make professional-standard judgements where data are limited or comes
from a range of sources;
- Provide training in critical analysis and in written presentation so students
are able to critically identify and analyse complex problems to a
professional standard.
KeywordsPGGE11053
Contacts
Course organiserDr Noel Gourmelen
Tel: (0131 6)50 2662
Email: Noel.Gourmelen@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Edwin Cruden
Tel: (0131 6)50 2543
Email: Edwin.Cruden@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2015 The University of Edinburgh - 18 January 2016 4:34 am