Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - GEOG 453 D100

Theoretical and Applied Remote Sensing (4)

Class Number: 1285

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 353. Recommended: One of GEOG 351, 352, 355 or 356.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will work in teams on real-world remote sensing projects in their area of interest. Each team will complete the project independently from literature review to project presentation. Cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and research that are related to the projects will also be introduced. Students with credit for GEOG 453W may not repeat this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

GEOG 453 is the final course of the remote sensing stream of courses offered by the Department of Geography. The introductory-level course is GEOG 253 - Introduction to Remote Sensing - that provides students with theoretical background and the upper-level course is GEOG 353 - Advanced Remote Sensing - that focuses on training students to acquire imagery processing and analysis skills. GEOG 453 is a project-orientated course, focusing on using remote sensing techniques and a variety of analytical tools (e.g., GIS and statistics) for environmental monitoring or resource management. A list of project topics will be provided, and students will work in teams on real-world remote sensing projects that they are interested in. Each team will perform a literature review, identify a problem, write a research proposal, collect and analyze data, present results, and submit a report.

One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab tutorial will be delivered consecutively in the same room each week. Lectures are used to lay the foundation for working on a project and lab sessions are for students to work on the project. Upon completion of this course, students should have the necessary knowledge and technique skills to work on remote sensing-related projects and address practical problems in real world.

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

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After successfully completing this course, students should have acquired:

  • Knowledge on a wide range of remote sensing applications
  • Experience to design, plan, and execute a science-based environmental project focusing on the application of remote sensing and other related techniques (e.g., GIS and statistics)
  • Ability to identify a problem, collect and analyze remote sensing data, and address the problem
  • Skills to perform a literature review, write a project proposal, make a research presentation, and write a project report
  • Knowledge of the inter-linkages between remote sensing information and physical geography, human geography, and GIS
  • Enhanced teamwork, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills

Grading

  • Literature Review 15%
  • Project Proposal 20%
  • Project Introduction Presentation 15%
  • Final Project Presentation 20%
  • Final Report 30%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Floyd F. Sabins, Jr.; James M. Ellis. 2020. Remote Sensing: Principles, Interpretation, and Applications. 4th Edition. Waveland Press. ISBN: 9781478637103

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.