Spring 2023 - GEOG 253 D100

Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)

Class Number: 2510

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2023
    Fri, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the theories and practices of remote sensing, including sensors and platforms, image collection, preliminary image analysis and interpretation, and a review of remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring and resource management. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the theories and practices of remote sensing, including sensors and platforms, image collection, preliminary image analysis and interpretation, and a review of remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring and resource management. Topics to be examined will include: remote sensing systems and platforms, surface-energy interactions, image interpretation and data analysis, and the application of remote sensing in vegetation, minerals, air, water, soil, and urban contexts. The primary sensor data will be satellite images.

Course Organization:
There will be one 2-hrs lecture per week. The lectures will be done in-person in the classroom to give insights into the methods related to Remote Sensing. There will be a strong emphasis on problem-based and interactive learning. The readings will enhance and extend understanding of the materials presented in the lectures.

There will be one 2-hrs lab session per week. The labs will be done in-person in a computer laboratory to provide practical skills in Remote Sensing. Software will be available at no cost (non-commercial use only) for your use in the computer lab. The emphasis is on the classification, transformation, and analysis of satellite images.

Format:
In-Person delivery for both the lectures and computer labs. The course begins in the first week of the term.

The contents are subject to changes depending on the number of students, available resources and circumstances.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetic radiation and remote sensing processes
- Define and appropriately use basic concepts related to remote sensing
- Investigate functions and characteristics of different remote sensing systems
- Discuss the application of remote sensing to real-world environmental issues
- Use the image processing software to implement basic analysis with remote sensing images

Grading

  • Participation 2%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm Exam 18%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

All marks in the course are absolute and hence NOT scaled or assigned based on a curve.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Under SFU's Education Site License, SFU students, staff, and researchers may download the following software to home computers for academic use ONLY. This includes teaching and classroom use and research purposes. 

Software available to download/install on home computers

  • Microsoft 365
  • ESRI Applications such as ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ESRI CityEngine, etc.
  • Matlab with Named User License
  • Adobe CC with Named User License*

* ONLY those who are in SFU payroll are eligible for Adobe CC with Named User License

RECOMMENDED READING:

Sabins, F.F. and Ellis, J.M. (2020). Remote Sensing: Principles, Interpretation, and Applications. 4th Ed. ISBN: 9781478637103.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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