James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

GE5501:03

Environmental Remote Sensing

Townsville HECS Band 2

26 lectures, 39 hours practicals. Semester 2.

This subject is an introduction to the theoretical principles of airborne and space borne remote sensing. This includes the principles of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and EMR/earth environment interactions and relationships as well as remote sensing systems. The theory and practice of relevant aerial photographic interpretation and digital image analysis, including photogrammetry and spectral and spatial enhancement techniques are covered through practical and assignment work. This subject focuses on the applications of surface, airborne and space borne remote-sensing to terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments for inventory, monitoring, planning and environmental problem solving.

Learning Objectives:

  1. introduce the use and interpretation of remotely-sensed data as primary geographic information and combine remotely-sensed data with other environmental information for problem solving;
  2. provide a sound basis to the underlying theory of analogue and digital remote-sensing;
  3. acquire a basic proficiency in approaches to, and techniques for remotely-sensed image and data analysis;
  4. promote an awareness of the scientific application of remotely-sensed data and analytical techniques to address environmental problems;
  5. apply remote-sensing analytical techniques to the chosen disciplinary area of the student.

Assessment by continual assessment (practical assignments, research report and scientific essay or project report – to be discussed with subject coordinator) (60%); examination (40%).