SPATIAL 3010 - Earth Observation III
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code SPATIAL 3010 Course Earth Observation III Coordinating Unit Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 5 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible SOIL&WAT 3010 Assessment Exam, practical exercises Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Sami Rifai
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Explain the physical principles and concepts underlying common forms of remote sensing 2 Describe the sources, nature and characteristics of common forms of remote sensing data 3 Be able to locate sources of technical information about satellites, sensors and applications 4 Be aware of new developments and trends in earth observation and its computational analysis 5 Perform a range of key digital image analyses with computer programming and scripting techniques. 6 Interpret the information provided by digital imagery for a range of applications and prepare reports that incorporate outputs from digital image analysis. 7 Describe how remote sensing is being used for a range of disciplines and applications 8 Choose appropriate forms of remote sensing and recommend analyses for particular applications University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,4,7,8 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
5,6,7,8 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
3,4,5,6,7,8 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
7,8 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
The course lecture notes and practical manual are the key resources for this course. Materials will provided on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au). Other teaching materials including lecture recordings, additional exercises and practical notes, course documentation and past examination papers will also be posted on this site.Recommended Resources
Recommended (free) online textbook
The textbook "Earth Observation" is an excellent resource, from which this course will borrow lecture and recommended readings. The first three volumes ("Data", "Processing", and "Applications", which are split in to several parts) are available to download free .
Recommended article
If you only read one article this year it should be this one!!! (Cracknell (1998)) ;-)
It will give you strong foundation for understanding some of the most important core principals of remote sensing.
Cracknell, A.P. (1998). Synergy in remote sensing - what's in a pixel? International Journal of Remote Sensing, 19, 2025-2047
Text and reference books
* Campbell, J.B. (2006). Introduction to Remote Sensing. 4th edn. Guilford Press.
Cracknell, A. (2007). Introduction to Remote Sensing 2nd. edn. Taylor and Francis.
Drury, S.A. (2001). Image Interpretation in Geology 3rd edn. Blackwell Science.
* Gibson, P.J. and Power, C. H. (2000). Introductory Remote Sensing Principles and Concepts. London, Routledge.
* Jensen, J.R. (1986). Introductory Digital Image Processing 2nd edn. Prentice Hall.
Jensen, J.R. (2007). Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth Resource Perspective 2nd edn. Prentice Hall.
* Lillesand, T.M. and Kiefer, R.W. (2000). Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. 4th edn. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
McCloy, K. (2006). Resource Management Information Systems: Remote Sensing, GIS and Modelling. 2nd edn. Taylor and Francis.
Richards, J.A. and Xiuping, J. (1999). Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis: An Introduction 3rd edn. Springer.
*Text is available in the reserve collection or short-term loan from the Barr Smith Library.
Reference journals
Numerous remote sensing journals are available online through the library. Key journals include
Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing
Geocarto International
IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
International Journal of Remote Sensing
Journal of Spatial Science
Photogrammetric Engineering
Remote Sensing Remote Sensing of Environment
On-line resources
A wealth of on-line remote sensing resources and learning materials are available. Details of some are provided via MyUni for the course. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The course consists of:
2 x 1 hour lectures per week
1 x 3 hour practical session per week
The program is organised so that modules provide background concepts, theory and applications of remote sensing, and are closely followed by practical sessions that implement these methods using programmatically scripted image analysis.
It is ESSENTIAL to attend the modules or watch the recorded materials prior to the corresponding practical session. The practical exercises will be difficult without this background, and neither I nor your demonstrators will bring you up to speed on the content you should have covered prior to practical.
It is absolutely ESSENTIAL to attend the practicals in person. Practicals are all computer based, using coded (programming) image analysis and geospatial tools. There is a learning curve to programming and it is easy to fall behind if you do not attend in person. The practicals will be run in a computer suite with academic and demonstrator. Recorded summaries of the practical will be made available as a reference, along with scripts developed in the practicals, and online reference materials. Academic and demonstrator will be available for help and interaction during scheduled practical times, although students can also ask for assistance via a discussion board in MyUni.
The assignments draw on knowledge and skills covered in the modules and practicals, with additional interpretation, synthesis and presentation. The assignments will require you to apply the programming image analyses covered in the practicals. If you attend and complete the exercises during practical sessions, you will have achieved much of the work required for the assignments.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).Learning Activities Summary
Lecture Practical This program is indicative only. Specific details and schedule of weekly topics will be provided through the specific MyUni/Canvas modules. Week 1 Introduction to the fundamentals of remote sensing Chapter 1: Mastering the basics (of Earth Engine) Week 2 Characteristics and sources of remotely sensed data Chapter 2: Spatial resolution and spectral profiles Week 3 Image analysis: Image enhancement, ratios and indices Chapter 3: Image enhancement and visualisation Week 4 Image analysis: Principal components and georegistration Chapter 4: Principal components analysis Week 5 Image analysis: Classification Chapter 5: Image classification and regression Week 6 Evaluating the accuracy of remotely sensed products Chapter 6: Accuracy assessment Week 7 Specialist applications: hyperspectral Chapter 7: Hyperspectral analysis Week 8 Spatial enhancement, and abstractions Chapter 8: Image masking, and mosaicing Week 9 Application: change detection and monitoring Chapter 9: Change detection Week 10 Specialist applications: Radar Chapter 10: Change detection continued Week 11 EO applications: environmental Chapter 11: Research project Week 12 EO applications: aquatic Free time for research project
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
Yes/NoOutcomes being assessed/achieved Due date 3 x assignments based on practical exercises Summative 44% No 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 9 x Tests on theory and practical based content Summative 56% No 1,2,4,7,8 Assessment Detail
Tests:
Six online open-book quizzes based on theory and practicals (50% of total). Due dates throughout semester.
Practical Assignments:
Three individual illustrated written reports based on integration of practical exercises and lectures. Due dates throughout semester.Submission
Assignments must be submitted electronically via MyUni. Ensure that you are familiar with procedures for doing this: if in doubt seek assistance in practical classes.
Do NOT email assignments to the lecturing or demonstrating staff – assignments are not accepted this way.
Extensions for Assessments
Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a replacement examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested.
Students are required to apply for an extension to the course co-ordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time.
Penalties for Late Submission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
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