Students

ENVG850 – Introduction to Remote Sensing

2014 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Michael Chang
michael.chang@mq.edu.au
Contact via michael.chang@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClimCh or MEnv or MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGDipSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGCertSc in Remote Sensing and GIS
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about the Earth's surface without physically being in contact with it. Using various sensors, the characteristics of imaged objects can be observed and analysed at various wavelengths of electromagnetic waves. This unit teaches the principles of remote sensing, and introduces a wide range of sensors and their platforms. The up-to-date optical and radar remote sensing techniques will be demonstrated. The applications of integrating remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are also demonstrated in this unit.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

General Assessment Information

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

All students are required to keep a backup of the submitted version of their assessments.

Assignment reports will be submitted electronically, either in MS Word or PDF format, via the submission links provided on iLearn page.

Late Submission Penalty

No extensions will be granted without a medical certificate or similar documentation. A penalty of 5% per day will be deducted from the total mark of the assessment task that is handed in late without an extension.

Special Consideration

The University recognises that students may experience disruptions that adversely affect their academic performance in assessment activities. The Disruption to Studies Notification must be completed and submitted online through www.ask.mq.edu.au within five (5) working days of the commencement of the disruption. Disruption to Studies Policy can be found at: http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Quiz 10% week 7
Review report 15% week 10
Oral presentation 10% week 12
Prac Tasks 10% throughout the semester
Final exam 55% Check Exam Timetable

Quiz

Due: week 7
Weighting: 10%

Quiz on lecture topics in weeks 1-7.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Review report

Due: week 10
Weighting: 15%

Students are asked to choose one current or planned remote sensing sensor (mission) and discuss the possible applications, as well as, pros and cons.

Report length: approximately 1200~1500 words
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Oral presentation

Due: week 12
Weighting: 10%

A 10 minute oral presentation to summarise the findings of the student's remote sensing sensor review report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.

Prac Tasks

Due: throughout the semester
Weighting: 10%

Participation and completion of practical tasks.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Final exam

Due: Check Exam Timetable
Weighting: 55%

Final exam (3 hours)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

Session 2 Day, North Ryde

Lecture program and location

There is a two-hour lecture per week. Please check lecture time and location at the Macquarie University Timetables website: https://timetables.mq.edu.au.

Practical program

There is one two-hour practical class from weeks 2 to 12. Please check prac time and location at the Macquarie University Timetables website: https://timetables.mq.edu.au.

Requirements to complete this unit satisfactory

  • Attend all lecture and practical sessions;
  • Acquire a pass grade or above of the total grade of all assessments.

Recommended Texts

There are no prescribed texts for this unit. A recommended book is available from MQ library.

Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. and Chipman, J. 2008. Remote sensing and image interpretation. NJ: John Wiley & Sons  (MQ library code: G70.4 .L54 2008)

Unit webpage and technology used and required

Unit web page

The iLearn web page of this unit can be accessed at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Technology used

  • iLearn and Echo360 for assisting learning;
  • iLab is used for students to access ENVI software outside campus;
  • Assignment reports need to be submitted electronically via the links on iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Week Lecture Practical Assessment Task Due
1  Introduction of Remote Sensing  No prac  
2  Electromagnetic radiation theory  ENVI Software Intro  
3  Electromagnetic radiation theory  ENVI Software Intro  
4  Spectral reflectance  ERDAS Software Intro  
5  atmospheric effect  Image calibration  
6  RS sensors  Classification  
7  (TBA) (TBA)  Quiz
Semester break
8 (TBA) (TBA)  
9 Photogrammetry and LiDAR  Working with LiDAR data  
10 Radar - basic  Radar image processing Review Report
11 Radar - image processing  Radar image processing  
12 Student Oral Presentations  Student Oral Presentations  Presentation
13 Unit summary  No prac  

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz
  • Review report
  • Oral presentation
  • Prac Tasks
  • Final exam

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz
  • Review report
  • Prac Tasks
  • Final exam

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Assessment tasks

  • Review report
  • Prac Tasks

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.

Assessment tasks

  • Review report
  • Oral presentation
  • Final exam

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of remote sensing and how electromagnetic radiation interact with the objects on the Earth’s surface
  • Analyse remotely sensed imagery to extract useful information
  • Have insights into current applications of remote sensing and GIS in Australia and worldwide
  • Understand some concepts and issues when choosing and analysing remote sensing data acquired at different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and by various sensors.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques on which to build more specialist study or lifelong learning

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz
  • Review report
  • Prac Tasks
  • Final exam

Changes from Previous Offering

The assessment weightings have been slightly modified. Student oral presentation is introduced this year as a new assessment task.