Unit Outline

This unit introduces you to theoretical and practical foundations of remote sensing. The unit starts with the physics of remote sensing including the concepts of electromagnetic energy and the interaction of energy with the atmosphere and the earth surface. We will cover the technical and practical characteristics of a range of satellite and airborne sensors. You will work with satellite images and image analysis tools in weekly computer practicals. Throughout the unit you will explore remote sensing research topics in the scientific literature that will prepare you for a research thesis. This unit is offered at the graduate level.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Evaluate the theory and application of electromagnetic energy, sensor systems, and image processing in the context of Earth observation.
2	Analyse remote sensing datasets and apply concepts and techniques to solve environmental and societal spatial problems.
3	Apply image analysis software to display, query, process, and manipulate remote sensing imagery, and extract relevant information.
4	Communicate remote sensing and geospatial science concepts, results, and perspectives to professional standards.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT TASK 1:	Assignment 1 Interpretation of false colour imagery	Week 5	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 2:	Assignment 2 Applied Remote Sensing Techniques: Weekly Tasks	Week 9	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 3:	Assignment 3 Remote sensing case study	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Assignment 1 Interpretation of false colour imagery

TASK DESCRIPTION:

This assignment focuses on the visual interpretation of spectral reflectance values in false colour images, alongside an application of your understanding of the principles of electromagnetic energy, atmospheric interactions, and reflectance properties.

TASK LENGTH:

Part 1 is a set of written answers based on practical exercise two (delivered in week two), and lecture material from weeks two and three. Part 2 is a quiz (with multiple-choice, short-answer, and calculation questions) based on lecture, reading, and practical content from weeks one to four.

DUE DATE:

Week 5

WEIGHT:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Evaluate the interactions between electromagnetic energy and matter, demonstrating an understanding of the principles of electromagnetic energy, atmospheric interactions, and reflectance properties	LO1
2	Apply theoretical concepts of spectral reflectance and wavelengths to a practical case study, interpreting spectral signatures and image colours in different band combinations	LO2
3	Solve problems related to spectral analysis and reflectance interpretation by performing calculations and answering multiple-choice questions based on lecture, reading, and practical content from weeks one to four	LO2, LO3
4	Communicate the acquired knowledge and understanding of spectral analysis and reflectance interpretation in remote sensing through clear and concise written responses	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Assignment 2 Applied Remote Sensing Techniques: Weekly Tasks

TASK DESCRIPTION:

This assignment comprises four weekly quizzes focused on practical exercises and lecture material covering contrast stretching, resolutions, regions of interest, and spectral signatures. You will be assessed on your ability to apply theoretical principles and interpret remote sensing images through multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

TASK LENGTH:

Weekly quiz with multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Each week is worth 10%

DUE DATE:

Week 9

WEIGHT:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Apply theoretical principles from lecture material to practical exercise tasks, demonstrating an understanding of key remote sensing techniques, including contrast stretching, resolutions, regions of interest, and spectral signatures.	LO2
2	Interpret remote sensing images by drawing conclusions about objects and features using spectral signatures and reflectance characteristics, showcasing the ability to analyse remote sensing data	LO1, LO3
3	Solve problems related to the application of remote sensing techniques, answering multiple-choice and short-answer questions based on practical exercises and lecture material	LO2, LO3
4	Communicate understanding and application of remote sensing techniques through concise, accurate, and well-reasoned responses in short-answer questions.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Assignment 3 Remote sensing case study

TASK DESCRIPTION:

In this capstone assignment, you will conduct an independent analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to assess and map the impacts of a bushfire. By identifying and applying appropriate image processing techniques, you will highlight fire-affected pixels and map the burnt areas, applying your skills in remote sensing data analysis and knowledge of foundational concepts.

TASK LENGTH:

Written report on remote sensing data analysis task (~3000 words)

DUE DATE:

Week 14

WEIGHT:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Select and apply appropriate image processing techniques, such as spectral indices and classification methods, to identify fire-affected pixels in the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery.	LO1, LO2
2	Analyse the impact of the bushfire event on the Tasmanian landscape by mapping the areas affected, drawing on the understanding of remote sensing concepts and principles.	LO1, LO2
3	Use image analysis software to process satellite imagery and produce accurate maps of burnt areas	LO3
4	Communicate the results of the analysis, including the identified fire-affected areas, the applied processing techniques, and the overall impact of the bushfire event, through clear visual representations and concise written explanations.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late Penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.