Course Description
A field-based remote sensing course that teaches students the theory and practical applications of field spectroscopy or proximal sensing (non-imaging systems). The field exercises will include experiment design and data collection using in situ sensors, model calibration, and validation to quantify environmental biophysical parameters.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be assigned extra readings (5 research articles total in a semester) on the topic of their choice. Graduate students are required to write and submit a 1-page synopsis and critique of each article's methodology and also prepare a 15-minute presentation for the class on a methodology of their choice.
Athena Title
Field Methods Remote Sensing
Undergraduate Prerequisite
GEOG 4350/6350-4350L/6350L or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
GEOG 4350/6350-4350L/6350L or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The overall goal is to stimulate research interests among undergraduate and graduate students and motivate them to pursue a career in remote sensing research. Specifically, on completion of this course, students will be able to: - Understand the operational aspects of remote sensor technologies - Understand experiment design and data collection techniques using in situ sensors and their potential application - Understand various aspects of remote sensing field data collection in vegetation, water, and wetlands, such as issues involving calibrating the sensor, collecting ground truth biophysical data, learning about solar angles and suitable time to collect data, etc. - Understand various aspects of modeling, including model calibration and validation - Understand how to write a professional report (manuscript style) - Understand the importance of team effort during remote sensing experiment and data collection in the field
Topical Outline
Theories and issues in proximal or in situ sensing Fundamentals of field spectroscopy Introduction and laboratory demonstrations to various in situ sensors and Associated radiometric quantities Controlled data collection techniques in the laboratory Proximal sensing of vegetation Proximal sensing of water and wetlands Proximal sensing of soil Applications of thermal-infrared sensing Fluorescence sensing Proximal sensing data collection field trips