Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - GEOG 253 D100

Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)

Class Number: 1099

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 4, 2025
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

GEOG 253 is the introductory-level course in the remote sensing stream of courses offered by the Department of Geography. The upper-level course is GEOG 353 - Advanced Remote Sensing, and the final course is GEOG 453 - Theoretical and Applied Remote Sensing. This introductory course emphasizes the principles of remote sensing and the uses of remote sensing data for monitoring land resources and environmental features. Topics covered include surface-energy interactions, remote sensing systems, different types of remote sensors, image interpretation, and the applications of remote sensing for examining vegetation, water, soil, and urban features. GEOG 253 provides the necessary background for GEOG 353, which focuses on advanced image analysis, and for GEOG 453, which involves completing research projects.

The course will consist of lectures covering foundational concepts and practical lab sessions where students will work on the interpretation of remote sensing images. Each week, there will be one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab tutorial. Upon completion of this course, students will have a foundational knowledge of remote sensing and a good understanding of its applications in different environments.

Notes: There will be no labs the first week of class

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetic radiation and remote sensing processes
  • Define and use basic concepts related to remote sensing appropriately
  • Investigate functions and characteristics of different remote sensing systems
  • Discuss the application of remote sensing to real-world environmental issues
  • Use image processing software to implement basic analysis with remote sensing images

Grading

  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm Test 25%
  • Final Examination 35%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Floyd F. Sabins, Jr.; James M. Ellis. 2020. Remote Sensing: Principles, Interpretation, and Applications. 4th Edition. Waveland Press. (Available on VitalSource).


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.