Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - GEOG 353 D100

Advanced Remote Sensing (4)

Class Number: 2787

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2021
    Thu, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 253.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced remote sensing principles and techniques, including physics-based modeling, advanced classifiers, automated data processing, and integration of ancillary data products. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Advanced Remote Sensing (GEOG 353) is the second of three interconnected courses belonging to the Spatial Information Science branch in our Department of Geography.  After learning the basics of Remote Sensing in GEOG 253, students in this course will be able to dive deeper into specific parts of the fascinating process of measuring the Earth’s surface remotely for the purpose of obtaining cutting-edge end products. In GEOG 353 we will explore a vast number of exercises using multiple data sources with a fully hands-on approach. We will focus specifically on digital images and point clouds from various spaceborne or airborne sensors, with an enhanced experiential learning focus and a high level of student input.

Lecture (including guest speakers): delivered synchronously, however, an audio recording and course notes/slides will be made available to the entire class.

Tutorial/lab/seminar: delivered synchronously. Students will also be able to access to SFU overflow lab outside the lab session.

No labs in the first week of class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In addition to reinforcing the skills from GEOG 253, by the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Review the remote sensing process and its four main procedures.
  2. Be aware of the wide range of uses of modern remote sensing.
  3. Perform full and comprehensive accuracy assessments on classified images.
  4. Understand the utility and calculation of spectral indices.
  5. Understand the physical laws linked to electromagnetic radiation and, through this, calculate physically meaningful variables from remotely sensed data.
  6. Spatially and temporaly extrapolate remotely-sensed data through statistical modeling.
  7. Work with hyperspectral
  8. Visualize LiDAR data and obtain basic metrics.
  9. Understand radar.
  10. Operate ENVI software.
  11. Interpret, analyze and make presentations about scientific papers in the Remote Sensing realm.
  12. Have access to a diverse and curated list of remote sensing data sources.
  13. Maximize the applicability of remote sensing in any scientific project.

Grading

  • Lab assignments: 30%
  • Midterm exam (asynchronous): 25%
  • Term project presentations: 20%
  • Final exam (asynchronous): 25%

NOTES:

Midterm and final exams will be asynchronous to accommodate remote learning.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to SFU PC with ENVI Classic and R installed.

Technical Requirements:

  1. Students are expected to know how to access SFU lab PCs from or outside Canada
  2. Students are expected to have access to CANVAS and ZOOM throughout the course of this class
  3. An audio input device is also recommended for class interaction. Webcam devices are needed but encouraged to have
  4. A VPN service may also be needed for students who are located in regions where certain internet services are inaccessible.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The official textbook (not mandatory) for the course is: Campbell J.B., Wynne R.H.  2011.  Introduction to Remote Sensing. 5th Edition. USA: Guilford Press.  ISBN: 9781609181765


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).