What is "remote sensing"? Measurement of the properties of the Earth's surface at some distance, usually from above. This means observations by aircraft and satellite-mounted sensors. Its a rapidly-growing area with many opportunities. Geoscience majors will need this, as will anyone interested in mapping and monitoring the environment over large areas.

Synopsis: Remote sensing involves measurement of the properties of the Earth's surface or atmosphere at some distance: from aircraft and satellite-mounted sensors. Remote Sensing is at the forefront of technological developments and applications in Earth Science. There is almost no geoscience or geographic discipline which has not benefited from the application of Remote Sensing: from earthquake prediction to oceanography, forestry to volcanology, measuring atmospheric CO2 and aerosol loadings to the global energy budget, coral reef mapping to the hole in the ozone layer, crop yield estimation to coastal erosion, urban landscape mapping with GIS to water quality, geological prospecting to determination of rangeland productivity, estimating building energy (heat) loss to invasive species mapping...the list goes on and on and is broadening with the advent of new technologies. GEOS/ENVR455 provides an introduction to Remote Sensing, including state-of-the-art aerial and satellite platforms and sensing technologies and techniques; a look at the wide range of applications in Earth Science and Geography; and a great deal of hands-on work with digital and printed materials. The lectures will introduce you to basic principles and applications (1st half of sessions); practical work will use information from orbiting satellites, aerial platforms, and various types of digital and photographic imagery, maps and charts (2nd half of sessions). ENVR555/655 are available for students who have some experience with Remote Sensing and/or GIS.