Earth Observation from Space: the Optical View
Week 1: Overview of Optical Earth Observation Technology and Data
9 topics
A look into the early days of optical Earth observation, and the different types of optical instrumentation and the Sentinel satellites.
Welcome to ‘Earth Observation From Space: The Optical View’. In this course, we will introduce you to the wide range of applications of satellite Earth observation technology. We will focus in particular on the use of data acquired by satellite sensors which use visible light and near infrared radiation – otherwise known as ‘optical’ Earth observation.
The history of optical Earth observation.
An overview of the different types and resolutions of optical and multispectral instruments.
Satellites can collect data from particular places, and at particular wavelengths. The areas the satellite can see depend on the orbit, and the field-of-view of the instrument.
This topic provides an overview on the Sentinel satellites
Wavebands & spectroscopy in remote sensing
In this topic we look at LiDAR - active optical sensing technology.
Professor Martin Wooster provides a brief summary of the Sentinel satellites which have been launched so far.
Week 1 interactive exercise
Week 2: Observing the Land and What Lives on it
7 topics
A look at how Optical EO can be used to observe vegetation, biodiversity and conservation, as well as monitoring wildfires, protected areas, wildlife and illegal activity.
Explore how optical EO can be used to monitor and map vegetation and land use change
An overview of how optical EO allows us to monitor wildfire activity and map burn scarring
Explore how scientists use optical EO to measure and understand changes in biodiversity and conservation
Biodiversity and conservation part 2 looks at pressures and threats
Learn how optical EO can help to protect wildlife and monitor illegal activity
Why is it important to monitor land use and water management and how do optical EO techniques allow us do do this?
Week 2’s interactive exercise and test
Week 3: Atmosphere and Oceans
8 topics
A look at how we can monitor atmospheric composition and atmospheric pollution. And then onto the Oceans, at ocean colour, harmful algae blooms and fisheries.
Monitoring atmospheric composition
Monitoring atmospheric aerosols
Why and how ocean colour is monitored
The techniques and applications used to measure ocean colour.
A look at how remote sensing is used to monitor harmful algal blooms
Discover how EO can be used to monitor fisheries
A brief overview of how Optical EO has a played a part in meteorology
The interactive exercise for week 3
Week 4: Monitoring Rapid Change, Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Issues
8 topics
This week covers the role of EO in tracking geohazards, monitoring impacts of severe weather and climate change, how we can also monitor conflict zones, refugees and migration from space, urban expansion and agriculture.
What role does EO play in tracking geohazards?
How the use of satellite imagery can be used by the UN and NGOs in responding to natural disasters.
Monitoring impacts of severe weather and climate change with optical EO
This topic looks at how EO can help monitor refugees and migration. Satellite data can provide information on what is currently happening on the ground in places such as Sudan and Syria, where other options are unsafe.
The use of satellites for mapping urban expansion and sudden changes in urban landscapes.
How optical EO supports sustainable development, and the collaboration of the ESA and the World Bank.
How satellites can monitor crop health from Space and the future FLEX mission
This week’s interactive exercise and test
Week 5: Future Technology and Working with Optical EO Data
10 topics
A look at future trends for EO and 3 practical guides for working with EO data
A look at new satellite technology and data services
The changing technology and role of ground stations
How EO data can be freely accessed by the public
Scientific data has become increasing important for policy making, especially in relation to climate change
Part 1 of the practical guide: accessing data
Part 2 of the Practical guide: accessing data
Processing EO data.
Using data products
Course round-up and end of week test
An additional short course on the future of Earth Observation
