Introduction to Remote Sensing
| Module title | Introduction to Remote Sensing |
|---|---|
| Module code | GEO2321 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Steven Palmer (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will learn how satellite remote sensing has contributed to the geospatial revolution. You will develop skills gained during GEO2333: Applied GIS (a pre-requisite) to discover the potential of remote sensing and image analysis for investigating a range of recent environmental changes. Through lectures and guided GIS-based computer practical sessions, you will gain an understanding of the theoretical principles behind a broad range of remote sensing techniques, including electromagnetic radiation theory and the differing spatiotemporal characteristics of remotely sensed data. You will gain practical experience of searching for and downloading a range of freely available data and will develop your quantitative data skills by performing analyses on vegetation, land cover and elevation change datasets.
This module enhances your employability by providing training in widely-used geospatial and remote sensing analyses. Learning takes place through the hands-on investigation of satellite-derived datasets for a range of study sites that reflect the ongoing research carried out by Physical Geography researchers at Exeter. You will develop an understanding of the opportunities and constraints on the implementation of a range of remote sensing approaches, as well the valuable information these techniques can provide about the surface of the Earth. You are encouraged to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches within the context of selected environmental processes.
To be able to take this module you must have taken an appropriate pre-requisite module or demonstrate equivalent skills that are approved by the module convenor.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The overall aims of this module are:
- to enhance your capacity for research;
- to increase your understanding of how remote sensing datasets are acquired and their strengths/limitations;
- to develop specific skills in the use of geospatial and remote sensing analyses used widely in geographical research and throughout other sectors.
Through attending the lectures and practical sessions and through completing the assessments, you will work towards developing graduate attributes in GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, literacy and analytical skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Outline the fundamental principles underpinning Remote Sensing data acquisition
- 2. Use GIS and remote sensing analyses in a technically competent manner
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Describe, apply and evaluate a range of remote-sensing approaches relevant to geographical research
- 4. Extract and present quantitative observations of environmental change
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Interpret and use quantitative information effectively in both written and graphical outputs
- 6. Undertake independent/self-directed study/learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient, and sustained attainment
Syllabus plan
Some or all the following topics will be covered during the module:
- Remote sensing platforms, sensors, and resolution
- Using multispectral imagery to quantify vegetation changes and fires
- Using Photogrammetry quantifying topographic changes
- Using optical feature tracking for measuring ice flow
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 121 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 9 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 18 | Practical analysis tasks in computer lab |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 2 | Q&A seminar for summative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | 1 | Virtual contact through videos and forum discussions |
| Guided Independent Study | 55 | Computer work in support of practical sessions, quizzes and summative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | 65 | Reading and research, online |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple ELE quizzes based on topic content | 1-2 hours in total | 1, 3 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific report | 100 | Practical output image analysis, maps and accompanying text (equivalent to 2000 words). Specified limits as outlined in the assessment guidance | 1-6 | Written (individual) |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific report | Examination | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken because of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit an examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken because of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Campbell, James B, (2011) Introduction to Remote Sensing. Imprint Guilford Publications, Incorporated [Electronic resource] http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2514123~S6
- Lillesand, T. M. and R.W. Kiefer (2000) Remote sensing and image interpretation, Chichester, Wiley & Sons, http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2447342~S6
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | GEO2333 Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 06/03/2014 |
| Last revision date | 18/02/2025 |
