Postgraduate Course: Passive Earth Observation: New Platforms, Sensors, and Analytical Methods (PGGE11241)
This course will be closed from 31 July 2026
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course will provide an introduction to the latest and the next generation of environmental monitoring and spatial sampling platforms (ground based systems, small fixed- and rotary-wing uncrewed aerial vehicles (sUAVs); airborne (Airborne Research and Innovation aircraft) and space-based platforms (e.g. ESA Sentinel 2 and 3 and Fluorescence Explorer missions) and the latest instruments (RGB, multispectral, spectrometers, hyperspectral fluorescence sensors). Analytical methods for scientific applications will be introduced and practical skills gained. |
| Course description |
By the end of this course, students should have achieved and demonstrated, or be able to achieve and demonstrate, an understanding of the following:
1. the advantages and disadvantages of the full range of EO methods and platforms now available (field-based, UAV, airborne and space-based)
2. the use of small UAV platforms and their flight control systems: inertial management units (IMU); GPS, and flight aspect and position logging systems. The H&S and regulatory framework for operation of UAVs
3. multispectral observations from the range of platforms, and the additional challenges of using miniature imaging system and radiometers on UAVs and the post processing and analysis of high spatial resolution (sub decimetre) imagery acquired using these sensors.
4. the principles of field spectroscopy and hyperspectral EO and techniques for the collection and analysis of hyperspectral data across a range of scientific disciplines
The course will consist of 11 four-hour sessions combining lecture/tutorial and practical sessions. The typical format will be a 1-1.5hour lecture followed by practical sessions, and followed by student led discussion/reading. This is not a rigid structure and will vary slightly from week to week. Formative and summative feedback will be provided throughout the course.
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Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Have an advanced understanding of passive EO approaches and the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Have an advanced understanding of the range of EO platforms (from ground- to space-based) and passive sampling approaches now available and be able to review these critically
- Have knowledge and practical skills in a range of advanced analytical EO techniques and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of these.
- Locate, read and summarise relevant literature, from both traditional and electronic media, to extend your understanding of the topic. Develop reasoned arguments, firmly grounded in the available literature.
- Take responsibility for their own learning through reading and the preparation of assignments, and reflect upon your learning experience. Plan and write assignments, within the specified parameters and to a professional standard
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Knowledge of a wide range of theoretical ideas and practical techniques in passive EO.
Ability to consider and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of EO platform types and the constraints these place on data acquisition, quality and fitness for purpose.
Planning skills for data acquisition and sampling strategies and understand how these influence the utility of data acquired for different purposes.
Understanding of high, medium and course spectral and spatial resolution EO data and how it can be quality assessed and analysed.
Ability to write detailed scientific and professional reports, and use critical thinking and decision making throughout.
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| Keywords | Earth Observation |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Caroline Nichol
Tel: (0131 6)50 7729
Email: Caroline.Nichol@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Felicity Smail
Tel:
Email: Felicity.Smail@ed.ac.uk |
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