Unit Outline
KGG543
Advanced Earth Observation
Semester 1, 2024
Arko Lucieer
School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
College of Sciences and Engineering
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Arko Lucieer
Email: Arko.Lucieer@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
This unit builds on the theory and skills of KGG542 Environmental Remote Sensing A and focuses on advanced aspects of remotely sensed image analysis that turn raw remote sensing data into valuable information. These additional remote sensing analysis skills are highly valued by employers in the geospatial industry. The unit will provide you with practical skills in image analysis techniques, such as geometric and atmospheric image correction, image filters, texture measures, image enhancements and transformations, classification algorithms, object-based image analysis, change detection, and accuracy assessment. The theory is illustrated with a range of real-world applications using optical, multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR data. Computer practicals and an independent project (in pairs) promote practical remote sensing skills using the latest image processing tools. The unit is likely to be of interest to students in geography, environmental studies, earth sciences, plant science, zoology, agricultural science, computing and information systems, archaeology, and engineering who want to enhance their remote sensing knowledge and professional skills. 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 image analysis techniques to enhance the interpretation and classification of remote sensing datasets
2.
Develop remote sensing analysis workflows to solve environmental and social problems that require spatial solutions
3.
Operate remote sensing software to implement image analysis workflows that achieve client-driven outcomes
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
KGG542
Alterations as a result of student feedback
The number of assessment tasks have been reduced, and the assignments are better aligned to the weekly topics of lectures and computer practicals.
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Seminar
One online 2-hr seminar per week
26
13 times per week
Computer Laboratory
One 3-hr practical per week
39
13 times per week
Independent Learning
In addition to the contact hours (2 hr/week of lectures + 3hr/week of computer practicals) you are expected to dedicate at least 3 hours per week on independent learning to consolidate the unit materials and to work on assessment tasks.
3
Weekly
Online
Online Class
One online 2-hr seminar (recorded) per week
26
13 times per week
Online Class
One 3-hr practical (introduction recorded) per week
39
13 times per week
Independent Learning
In addition to the contact hours (2 hr/week of lectures + 3hr/week of computer practicals) you are expected to dedicate at least 3 hours per week on independent learning to consolidate the unit materials and to work on assessment tasks.
3
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
Students will require access to a personal computer or laptop and a stable internet connection. PC workstations with ENVI software are available in two lab spaces on the Hobart UTAS campus. The ENVI software used in this unit can also be accessed through a Virtual Machine VirtualLab solution that can be accessed by students who cannot come to campus.
 
 

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: Practical Report #1
Week 5
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Assignment 2: Practical Report #2
Week 8
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
Assignment 3: Project
Week 14
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Assignment 1: Practical Report #1
Task Description:
You will submit a short report of 1500 words. This report will contain your answers to questions and demonstration of completed tasks from weekly computer practicals in weeks 1 – 4. Your report will include a presentation of results in figures and interpretation of the analysis output.

Task Length:
1500 word report
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Evaluate remote sensing techniques and software tools focusing on vegetation indices, lidar processing, and image transforms and filters
LO2, LO3
2
Create and compare remote sensing products derived from basic datasets using image processing techniques
LO2, LO3
3
Present and evaluate results in a report including appropriate figures and plots for visual communication and references to source material
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 2: Assignment 2: Practical Report #2
Task Description:
You will submit a short report of 1500 words. This report will contain your answers to questions and demonstration of completed tasks from weekly computer practicals in weeks 5 – 7. Your report will include a presentation of results in figures and interpretation of the analysis output.

Task Length:
1500 words
Due Date:
Week 8
Weight:
30 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Evaluate remote sensing techniques and software tools focusing on geographic object-based image analysis and image data cube analysis
LO2, LO3
2
Create and compare remote sensing products derived from basic datasets using image processing techniques
LO2, LO3
3
Present and evaluate results in a report including appropriate figures and plots for visual communication and references to source material
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 3: Assignment 3: Project
Task Description:
the Remote Sensing Project, you are expected to select a topic from a range of pre-defined project topics in different application areas. The project is carried out in a team of two students with the aim to enhance your image analysis skills. You will use the knowledge obtained in the lectures and practicals to process and analyse remote sensing data to solve a real-world problem. Practical time is available to work on the project under supervision. The assessment is based on a poster and an oral presentation. You are expected to work in a team of two students.

Task Length:
Poster and 3-min presentation + Q&A
Due Date:
Week 14
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Synthesise the scientific remote sensing literature to inform selection of image analysis techniques and include reference to source material in written work
LO1, LO2
2
Develop an image analysis workflow and combine remote sensing software tools to solve a spatial problem
LO2, LO3
3
Compare outputs from an image analysis workflow and evaluate results
LO1, LO2
4
Present remote sensing project in a poster and presentation using effective visual communication, including an explanation of analysis methods, an assessment of results and reflection on issues faced and potential improvements
LO1, LO2
 
 
 

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.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
 
 
Recommended reading materials
We will be using chapters from the Earth Observation Australia (EOA) texbooks: https://www.eoa.org.au/earth-observation-textbooks
We will also refer to other readings in the weekly MyLO pages.
 
Other required resources
Access to ENVI software in UTAS computer labs or via the UTAS Virtual Machine is required for this unit.

Access to reasonable-speed internet with a generous monthly download limit will be essential for access to the Virtual Machine.

Please note that students can access computers on campus in Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast and Sydney (Rozelle), or borrow a laptop from the campus library system to support the IT requirements for this unit.