Module Identifier GG32020  
Module Title EARTH OBSERVATION FROM SATELLITES AND AIRCRAFT  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Professor Richard M Lucas  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Aled P Rowlands, Mr Peter Bunting  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 2 hours  
  Practical   5 x 2 hours including 4 hours of fieldwork  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours  50%
Semester Assessment Coursework Laboratory report (2000 words) (35%). Presentation based on reading of current literature (15%).  50%
Supplementary Exam1 Hours Re-sit  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed coursework components. Resit failed end of semester examination.50%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
  1. Describe and distinguish between a range of remote sensing data and applications in physical geography
  2. Independently prepare and deliver a presentation based on information extracted from the current literature.
  3. Display, interpret and analyse remote sensing data
  4. Use commercial remote sensing software

Brief description

The module will introduce students to remote sensing data acquired by a range of aircraft/satellite sensors by utilizing demonstration applications that relate to other taught aspects of physical geography. Vocational training will be given in the collection of field data to support interpretation of remote sensing data and the use of the commercial software package IDL ENVI (Environment for Visualising Images). Students will review and present on current literature relating to remote sensing of a range of environments.

Content

Lectures   

An introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum and an overview of aircraft/spacecraft sensors (active and passive)
Application examples relating to the following:

Terrestrial vegetation

Glaciology

Hydrology

Geomorphology

Practicals: A field visit to interpret satellite remote sensing data of the Aberystwyth area (4 hours) and a basic introduction to computer processing of remote sensing data (6 hours).

Module Skills

Problem solving Field and computer-based interpretation of remotely sensed data  
Research skills Review of up-to-date literature relating to remote sensing applications.  
Communication Presentation of literature in summary form  
Improving own Learning and Performance Reading, field and computer-based work  
Team work Group work during field interpretation of remotely sensed data.  
Information Technology Use of IDL ENVI for image processing.  
Application of Number Use of mathematics in computer-based programming  
Personal Development and Career planning Knowledge of careers in remote sensing conveyed.  
Subject Specific Skills Specific skills in satellite/aircraft data interpretation  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Campbell, J.B. (1996) Introduction to Remote Sensing 2nd edition. Taylor and Francis
Lillesand, T.M. & Kiefer, R.W. (1994) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation John Wiley and Sons, New York
Richards, J.A. (2000) Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis Springer, Verlag, Berlin
Sabins, F.F. (1997) Remote Sensing: Principles and Interpretation W.H.Freeman, New York

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6