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	Explain the theory and application of electromagnetic energy, sensor systems, and image processing in the context of Earth observation.
2	Apply remote sensing datasets, concepts and techniques to solve real-world spatial problems.
3	Apply image analysis software to display, query, process, and manipulate remote sensing imagery, and extract relevant information.
4	Communicate perspectives and knowledge in remote sensing and spatial sciences to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, oral, cartographic, and other visual means.
5	Critically analyse remote sensing datasets and analyses to provide professional solutions to diverse spatial problems.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The unit will be updated to reflect the rapidly changing technology in the field of remote sensing.

The Virtual Machine has been upgraded to improve the online practical experience.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

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 3	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Assignment 2 Applied Remote Sensing Techniques: Weekly Tasks	Week 9	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Assignment 3: remote sensing case study	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning tool in the completion of this assessment task must follow the specific instructions of this task and must be in alignment with the UTAS guidelines on academic integrity.

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 3

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply theoretical concepts from lecture material relating to spectral reflection and wavelengths to a practical case study	LO1, LO4
2	Clearly explain the theoretical basis for observations in imagery	LO1, LO5
3	Relate spectral signatures to image colour in different band combinations	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

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

Task Description:

This assignment comprises four practical exercises 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.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning tool in the completion of this assessment task must follow the specific instructions of this task and must be in alignment with the UTAS guidelines on academic integrity.

Task Length:

Weekly practical assessment task associated with the topic and exercise in the computer practicals.

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Make connections between theoretical principles presented in the lecture material and practical exercise tasks, and be able to apply those concepts to practical tasks	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Draw conclusions about objects in an image based on their reflectance characteristics	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 3: Assignment 3: remote sensing case study

Task Description:

In this capstone assignment, you will conduct an independent analysis of satellite imagery applying classification and change detection techniques in the context of a practical real-world application. This assignment will bring together your skills in remote sensing data analysis and knowledge of foundational concepts.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning tool in the completion of this assessment task must follow the specific instructions of this task and must be in alignment with the UTAS guidelines on academic integrity.

Task Length:

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

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Recognise when imagery requires correction, and perform the appropriate correction procedures using image analysis software	LO3, LO4
2	Identify appropriate imagery sources for a given application, and justify the choice of data.	LO3, LO4, LO5
3	Perform image analysis techniques such as feature extract, classification, image enhancement and accuracy assessment	LO1, LO2, LO4
4	Extract relevant information from imagery relating to the assigned task	LO4
5	Produce a report of professional standard with respect to structure, layout, scientific writing, referencing, quality of figures, and well-argued answers.	LO4, LO5

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.

Required Resources

Required reading materials