Monitoring our Planet's Health from Space

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Understand how Earth Observation is used to assess the health of our planet.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how different modalities of Earth Observation systems are used to address specific environmental challenges.
3. Critical awareness of the quality of Earth Observation products and their implications for answering real-world problems.
4. Ability to analyse Earth Observation datasets and products within a GIS environment to solve real-world problems.

The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to Earth Observation and how it can be used to assess the health of our planet. Our planet is highly dynamic but to understand the nature of these changes and the implications of these changes, we need to be able to map and monitor large areas through time. Earth Observation technologies, such as imaging satellites, are a vital technology for making this possible and represent an expanding job market as businesses and governments understand its importance. This module will provide hands-on experience in the use of satellite imagery, and its mapped products, for addressing globally significant environmental challenges such as flood hazards, deforestation, wildfires and disease risk. In doing so, students will learn key skills that are in demand in today's job market.

The module is taught through 10 lectures (2 hours) and 7 practical sessions (2 hours), providing a total of 34 hours of contact time. The course will focus on several key topic areas related to the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Topic areas may vary from year to year to reflect the significant World events (e.g. significant wildfire or flood events) or 'hot-topics' at the Global stage (e.g. reducing emissions from deforestation), often reflecting the research activities of the teaching staff. In doing so, the module will remain relevant and up-to-date helping to enhance the student experience. Using these topics and applications as a vehicle, students will learn key concepts that underpin satellite Earth Observation (e.g., the difference between optical multi-spectral, radar and lidar sensors and systems) and data processing techniques, such as image classification, equipping students with knowledge and skills that are in demand in today's job market.

Example topics that may be covered:

1. Deforestation and Land cover change
2. Above-ground biomass estimation
3. Water resource management
4. Flood risk mapping
5. Mapping of Malaria habitats
6. Wildfires mapping
7. Desertification and the impacts of drought
8. Plant health and condition mapping (e.g., disease mapping)
9. Wetland extent and condition
10. Assessing changes in coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves.
11. Glacial change
12. Surface Radiation Budget (e.g., Albedo of ice sheets)

The week-by-week module structure:

Week 1: Introduction to EO for assessing planetary health
Week 2: Application 1 (Part 1): Lecture and Practical
Week 3: Application 1 (Part 2): Lecture and Practical
Week 4: Application 2 (Part 1): Lecture and Practical
Week 5: Application 2 (Part 2): Lecture and Practical
Week 6: Application 3 (Part 1): Lecture and Practical
Week 7: Application 3 (Part 2): Lecture and Practical
Week 8: Application 4: Lecture (Practical will be an assignment help session)
Week 9: Application 5: Lecture
Week10: Revision Lecture

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6