Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 353 D100

Advanced Remote Sensing (4)

Class Number: 2262

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 253.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced remote sensing principles and data processing techniques, including image correction and enhancement, advanced image analysis and information extraction, land cover classification and change detection, and integration of remote sensing and GIS. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

GEOG 353 is the upper-level 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 and the final course is GEOG 453 - Theoretical and Applied Remote Sensing). Compared to GEOG 253 that provides an overview of remote sensing and training on preliminary image interpretation, this course focuses on computer processing and analysis of images, and advanced applications of remote sensing for monitoring physical and human environments. Topics in this course include image preprocessing, image enhancement and transformation, image classification and change detection, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing, hyperspectral remote sensing, and integration of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Remote sensing imagery is an essential data source and GIS is a powerful geo-analytical tool, with their integration being at the center of a larger trend toward the fusion of different geo-spatial data and technologies, and thus will be thoroughly discussed in this course. GEOG 353 will include lectures that cover foundational concepts and practical lab sessions where students will work on the acquisition and processing of remote sensing images. Upon completion of this course, students should have the technical expertise to process and analyze remote sensing data and pursue more advanced work in remote sensing applications.

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

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After successfully completing this course, students will:

  • Have a more detailed overview of remote sensing and stronger understanding of physical principles underlying the remote sensing measurements
  • Acquire technical expertise processing and analyzing remote sensing images
  • Gain and develop a strong working knowledge of standard remote sensing software for real-world applications
  • Have the ability to integrate remote sensing products in a GIS project framework for analyzing different environmental features
  • Understand the uncertainties throughout the information extraction processes
  • Understand advanced remote sensing technologies and their strengths and limitations

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. 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.