Module Identifier EAM1320  
Module Title FUNDAMENTALS OF REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Professor Richard M Lucas  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Peter Bunting, Dr Aled P Rowlands  
Pre-Requisite Attendance of GG32820 (GIS) and GG32820 (Earth observation) or equivalent subjects undertaken in undergraduate course at own University.  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 1 hours  
  Practical   10 x 2 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours EXAMINATION Written examination on theory and practice of remote sensing and GIS (2 hours).50%
Semester Assessment COURSEWORK Laboratory skills report based on the integration of GIS and remote sensing data (4000 words).50%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours Resit: Examination  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit failed elements of coursework.50%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to.
  1. List, describe and evaluate main sources of GIS and remote sensing data
  2. Explain the functionality of commercial GIS and remote sensing software
  3. Design and implement basic routines for processing and analyzing GIS and remote sensing data.

Content

10 x 1 hour lectures outlining

5 x 2 hour practicals (Remote Sensing)

5 x 2 hour practicals (GIS)

Brief description

The module will provide an advanced introduction to GIS, covering topics that include the design of GIS, data sources and data entry, manipulation and analysis of GIS data and basic statistical procedures. The remote sensing component will focus on theory and fundamental image analysis procedures, including preprocessing and classification of data. The practical work will focus on the analysis and integration of remote sensing and GIS data and will draw on examples from a range of applications.

Module Skills

Problem solving Field and computer-based interpretation of remotely sensed data.  
Research skills Basic strategies relating to data sources and data collection, data integration and processing within the framework of a GIS and effective analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data.  
Communication Skills report writing and submission of a research paper. Discussion groups within the blackboard teaching and learning environment.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Reading, field and computer-based work. Library and web-based referencing.  
Team work Group work during field interpretation of remotely sensed data.  
Information Technology Use of IDL ENVI for image processing and ARCGIS software for GIS.  
Application of Number Use of mathematics in computer-based programming  
Personal Development and Career planning Knowledge of careers in remote sensing conveyed and advice given.  
Subject Specific Skills Specific skills in satellite/aircraft data interpretation.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Burrough, P.A. & McDonnell, R.A. (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems Oxford University Press
Campbell, J.B. (1996) Introduction to Remote Sensing 2nd edition. Taylor and Francis, London
Chang, K. (2006) Introduction to GIS Goodwill
Dent, B.D. (1999) Cartography: Thematic Map Design 5th edition. WCB McGraw-Hill, Boston
Lillesand, T.M. & Kiefer, R.W. (2000) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation 3rd Edition. John Wiley and Sons, New York
Martin, D. (2000) Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis 3rd Edition. Springer-Verlag, Berlin
Sabins, F.F. (1997) Remote Sensing: Principles and Interpretation W.H.Freeman, New York

Journals
Lucas, R. M., Held, A. and Phinn, S. (2003) Manual of Remote Sensing: Natural Resources and Environment. Remote Sensing of Tropical Forests.
Malthus, T. J. and P. J. Mumby (2003) International Journal of Remote Sensing Remote sensing of the coastal zone: an overview and priorities for future research 24(13): 2805-2815..
Voogt, J. A. and Oke, T.R. (2003) Remote Sensing of Environment Thermal remote sensing of urban climates 86(3): 370-384.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7