Time Schedule:
Joshua Louis Bandfield
ESS 421
Seattle Campus
Principles of image interpretation for geologists. Study of land forms, structure, lithology, surface processes using aircraft and satellite data. Use of digital multispectral images and radar images for geological mapping.
Class description
Earth and Space Sciences 421 is designed to introduce upper class and graduate students to the physical principles underlying remote sensing as applied to the study of the land surface of the Earth, Moon, and terrestrial planets. Remote sensing at visible and near-infrared, thermal infrared, and radar wavelengths are covered, including reflectance and emittance spectroscopy. Applications to the investigation of vegetation, soils and rock surfaces, and urban environments are covered. The class includes a computer lab applying processing techniques using software commonly used for remote sensing applications.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
This course builds primarily on aspects of physics, chemistry, and geology and will rely heavily on Windows-based remote sensing software packages. A basic familiarity with these subjects will be helpful. The course will be applicable for all with a basic science background (e.g. Forestry).
Class assignments and grading
Class assignments consist of reading in preparation for lectures and computer lab write-ups. Short quizzes will be given weekly and lab write-ups will be due weekly.
There will be one mid-term exam and a final exam. The final exam is comprehensive but will emphasize the latter half of the course. Quizzes will be administered weekly with the exceptions of weeks 1, 5, and 10. Final grades will be assigned based on the following weighting: Mid-term Exam: 20% Final exam: 30% Quizzes+: 20% Lab Write-ups: 30% +The lowest quiz grade will be discounted
