Cracknell, AP & LWB Hayes (2007) Introduction to Remote Sensing. (Francis & Taylor)

Gibson, P (2000) Introductory Remote Sensing Principles & Concepts. (Routledge)

Canadian Centre of Remote Sensing tutorials (http://ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/resource/tutor/fundam/index_e.php)

Standard lecture rooms with light projector facilities.
IT suite with 20 PCs with `Idrisi for Windows' (or other appropriate) image-processing software.

Portfolio - 50% - 1250-1500 word equivalence - Learning outcomes 3, 4, 6

Examination - 50% - 2 hours duration - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 5, 6


Additional Assessment Details:

The PORTFOLIO will consist of a series of workshop worksheets demonstrating analysis, interpretation and understanding of: field spectroscopy; satellite data collection and image processing. For intermediate level students this will include one workshop of peer learning delivered by honours level students on satellite design.

The EXAMINATION will consist of two sections of equal weighting. Section A will an UNSEEN short answer format assessing the fundamental principles of remote sensing. In Section B students will be required to write a SEEN essay on an application of remote sensing. The SEEN essay titles will be given out early in the module - and students will be able to bring into the examination a one A4-side plan, a bibliography and any imagery that will be referred to.


Formative Assessment:
Student will be given formative learning during the workshops that will cumulatively build throughout the module. The students will also be given the opportunity to submit a plan for the seen examination on which feedback will be given.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and directed reading.

Ten, 1 hour weekly lectures (10 hours) will provide the main knowledge framework for the module delivering keys concepts, issues and case studies and provide a foundation for the workshops and student independent study.

Seven 2 hour workshops (14 hours) will include greater student-centred learning and will include group field work, a presentation, IT-based image processing and interpretation sessions and assessment preparation.

The remaining 126 hours of independent study will consist of a 2 hour examination plus directed study. Learning will be supported by a core textbook, the use of the Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing web tutorials and extensive reading lists primarily directing students to research articles in journals (e.g. Geocarto International) and on reputable remote sensing organisation research websites e.g. NASA.

The module examines how satellite data is collected, manipulated, analysed, interpreted and used for environmental management. All aspects of satellite remote sensing are discussed including principles of radiation-surface interaction, field spectroscopy (hand-held radiometery), satellite design; applications (environmental water quality, biotic resource monitoring, geological / geomorphological studies and land use classification) and case studies; and computer image processing and interpretation (displaying images, contrast stretching, thematic indices and mapping, pattern recognition, edge-enhancement and classification analysis). Remote sensing as an environmental management tool will be evaluated for a range of environmental resources. Imagery from a variety of different world environments will be analysed and interpreted.

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