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 natural hazard management. Imagery from a variety of different world environments will be analysed and interpreted.

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 1 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.

None

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

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)

Report - 70% - 1750-2000 words - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 5, 6.

Examination - 30% - 1 hour duration - Learning outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6


Additional Assessment Details:

The REPORT on a specific natural hazard application which will require a holistic, critical evaluation of the use of remote sensing to contribute to its understanding. This one report will require the students to draw on ALL the lecture classes and apply as appropriate to their application bringing in data and imagery as appropriate.

For the EXAMINATION students will be required to write ONE essay which will reflect and critically review the practical elements of the course. The questions will be based-upon the practical elements of the course and the formative portfolio they will collate from the workshop exercises demonstrating analysis, interpretation and understanding of: field spectroscopy; satellite data collection and image processing.

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 project plans for the coursework on which feedback will be given. The formative portfolio will include a short presentation to intermediate level students on satellite design which will be formatively assessed.