Remote sensing of the environment is designed to acquaint students with various methods of aircraft and satellite remote sensing of the environment. Applicable to a broad range of earth science applications, this course includes photographic, infrared, ultraviolet, radio frequency, multi-spectral and radar sensing. This lecture may be taken either for credit in geology (GEOL 4111/5111) or in botany (BOT 4111/5111). It is intended to be taken concurrently with the laboratory course (GEOL 4112/5112). The graduate-level offerings (GEOL 5111 and 5112) differ from the undergraduate classes (GEOL 4111 and 4112) only in that additional outside reading and occasional classroom presentations are required for graduate students.
Remote Sensing of the Environment Course Summary
Remote sensing involves gathering information about an object without being in contact with the object -- but is usually restricted to the use of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR).
EMR
to be sensed includes ultraviolet, visible light, near-, mid-, and far-infrared
(thermal), microwave, and long-wave radio energy. Gamma radiation
surveys and magnetic surveys are usually considered traditional geophysical
techniques rather than "remote sensing".
Some major advantages of remote sensing in earth resource applications are:
To examine methods for collection, processing, and interpretation of remotely sensed data. These methods deal primarily with interaction of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with earth materials. Many techniques are available, and they span the EM spectrum from ultraviolet to microwave frequencies. Methods of analysis are equally diverse but are often assisted by computer enhancement and automated analysis of images. Laboratory exercises will introduce selected applications of various forms of data in geology, agriculture, geography, archaeology, soils science, hydrology, and environmental science. Emphasis will be upon geology, soils, hydrology, vegetation and the natural environment. These provide the basis for extension of interpretations into other areas of study and management applications.
Approach:
Acquisition
and interpretation of remotely sensed data makes use of the latest optical,
electronic and computer technology. Although a comprehensive study
of many technical aspects of remote sensing is beyond the scope of this
course (the more technical aspects are covered in GEOL 5800), every effort
will be made to introduce commonly used concepts and techniques; especially
those applicable to resource management and study of the earth and its
environments. Remote sensing is a relatively young science, and it is still
evolving rapidly.
Remote sensing interpretations are readily integrated with computer
mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). This course
prepares the student to make appropriate use of remotely sensed data in
a GIS, but it will not deal extensively with GIS and its applications.
GIS and computer mapping courses are offered through the Geography Department.
Prerequisite:
M1 and M2-level mathematics and senior standing for GEOL/BOT 4111 and 4112 or graduate standing for GEOL 5111 and 5112. Consent of the instructor is also required. Concurrent participation in lecture and laboratory is necessary unless special arrangement is made.
Organization:
Two lectures each week (2 credits) and two laboratory sessions each week (two credits).
Description:
The recommended texts are "REMOTE SENSING: PRINCIPLES AND INTERPRETATION" by Floyd F. Sabins, l996, 3rd edition and REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT" by John R. Jensen, 2000. Readings from these texts are required, so they are strongly recommended, but purchase is not required. Copies of these and other important reference materials will be placed on reserve in the geology library. Each student is expected to review the appropriate text material prior to class. Specific reading assignments are given in the schedule. Students in GEOL 5111/5112 will have special reading assignments (in addition to readings listed on the schedule). They may also give in-class oral summaries of assigned readings. Exams (mid-term and final) will be comprehensive. They will cover both lecture and laboratory work as well as the assigned reading. Students in GEOL 5111/5112 may be required to respond to additional exam and laboratory questions pertaining to special readings assigned..
The course has three main parts. The first lectures and exercises will cover the theoretical basis for remote sensing. The second section of the class deals with techniques for remote sensing, and the last half of the course emphasizes applications.
Grades for laboratory will be based upon twice-weekly laboratory exercises. Lecture grades will be based on scores from in-class quizzes, scheduled examinations and class participation. The “class participation” grade will be based upon familiarity with outside reading and thoughtful response to questions that may be asked during lecture. Not all critical material is covered in the texts, so it is important that each student attend all class meetings.
Laboratory exercises often require interpretive overlays and summary
reports. These will be evaluated relative to both content and presentation.
Please be aware that effective organization and clarity of presentation
will be required for high marks. Laboratory assignments will require
each student to have certain items of equipment.
Laboratory Equipment List:
1. Calculator
2. Scale (10ths or 20ths of inches) also mm. and cm.
3. Protractor
4. 12 or more clear acetate overlays (8.5 x 11 inches)
5. Pens (fine, medium, coarse (.005, .01, .05 mm.) that will
write on and stay on clear acetate
6. Colored pens (optional), also for acetate
7. Small roll of drafting tape
8. Scissors
9. Soft eraser
(Updated October 7, 2003)
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