GEOL 602
Remote Sensing for the Geosciences
Catalog Entry
GEOL 602 Remote Sensing for the Geosciences
Four hours lecture/discussion (4).
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Introduction to remote sensing and its geologic applications. Includes basic digital cartographic techniques, theoretical and practical use of computer-based remote sensing, and applications of remote sensing to geology including environmental and resource management and exploration. Makes use of IMAGINE software package.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
Arrangement of topics is as follows:
I. Introduction
II. Computer Hardware and Software
III. Basics of Digital Cartography
a. Introduction, Types of maps, Map Annotation Map
b. Map Projections
c. Map Coordinate Systems
d. Shape of the Earth
e. Geodetic Position Determination
f. Map Accuracy Standards
IV. Sources of Geologic Spatial Data
a. Conventional Sources – field work and paper maps
b. Digitizing and Scanning
c. Aerial and Satellite Data
d. Internet Resources and the U.S.G.S.
e. CD’s, Tapes, and Other Resources
V. Remote Sensing
a. Electromagnetic Radiation and Interactions with Nature
b. Image Characteristics and Human Vision
c. Imaging Systems
VI. Digital Image Processing
a. Image Display
b. Image Enhancement
c. Rectification
VII. Image Classification
VIII. Projects and Analysis with Remotely Sensed Data
IX. Applications of Remote Sensing in Geology
a. Hazard and Risk Assessment
b. Resource Management
c. Others
Detailed Description of the Conduct of Course
The course will include three hours of lecture time and two hours of laboratory time. Lecture time will emphasize the theoretical and practical foundations of remote sensing and its application to solving geologic problems. As this course, GEOL 602, Remote Sensing for the Geosciences, and GEOL 601, Geographic Information Systems for the Geosciences can be taken independently from one another, certain basic concepts prerequisite to both courses but not generally available elsewhere for the geologist must be included at the beginning of both courses. These include Computer Hardware and Software, Basics of Digital Cartography, and Sources of Geologic Spatial Data. This prerequisite material requires about three weeks of lecture time and several lab periods to complete Laboratory time will include a series of computer exercises designed to develop skills working with digital maps; sources of spatial data, including the Internet; and computer remote sensing software including IMAGINE. Students are required to complete an in-depth research project and to present the results orally in a professional manner.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The course is intended as a graduate level introduction to the techniques of remote sensing being used today in geology. It is anticipated that students completing this course will have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to make use of remote sensing techniques in their research or thesis projects and to be very competitive for jobs requiring such skills.
Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
(1) Explain the basic concepts of digital cartography.
(2) Explain the theoretical and practical foundations of remote sensing.
(3) Demonstrate the use of computers for:
a. Collecting data from the Internet
b. Analyzing spatial data in remote sensing applications
c. Creating maps and reports
Assessment measures
The student will be assessed according to her/his competence demonstrated in completing: (1) three written examinations, (2) a number of short laboratory exercises, and (3) a research project with written report and oral presentation.
Other course information
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
January 2000 Approved by chair
