Module OSX-2005:
Remote Sensing & Geophysics

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Katrien Van Landeghem

Overall aims and purpose

Aspects of geosciences will be instrumental in finding solutions to the environmental challenges society faces. A better understanding of the problems and the design + implementation of sustainable solutions can only be achieved with data collected via accurate remote sensing and geophysics.

This module is essential to scientists who acquire field data and concerns itself with topographic surveying and ground data presentation. Whether marine, lacustrine or terrestrial, all survey data needs to be positioned in space; and this is an important topic in the module. Whilst the latest satellite technology appears to make this a trivial task, there are pitfalls that in some cases have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars. To avoid these, you must have some knowledge of geodesy – the shape of the earth, map projections, coordinate systems and geodetic datums. Once these underpinning ideas are introduced, another section of the course concentrates on the technical aspects of surface position fixing. With a field practical, you will be taught the basics of accurate terrestrial vertical positioning (leveling) and you will get some experience of using a carrier-phase or survey standard GPS.

As a continuation of the theme of spatial data, the topic of remote sensing is then presented. Remote sensing provides a synoptic view on the Earth, and in this part of the module, an introduction is given to the commonly-used instruments. A computer based practical will give you a taster of interpretation techniques in remote sensing.

The module also introduces the least visible morphology – that of the seafloor (though techniques apply equally well in lakes or rivers). For surveying these environments, sound must be used – no other technique is effective. Acoustic data have traditionally been used to map the seafloor for engineering applications (oil and gas development), but more recently, strategic and environmental impact assessments have made great use of acoustic techniques in benthic habitat mapping and seafloor management. The lectures in this module teach the underpinning theory of acoustic transmission in the water column, the actual hardware that is used, and the way in which the data are analysed and processed. The practical sessions will give you a wide range of datasets to interpret, as you would commercially or in academic study.

For all elements of this module, we aim to provide you with a blend of the underpinning theory, a clear idea of the application of theory in practice, and practical experience of data acquisition, processing and interpretation.

Course content

Geodesy:

  • Shape of the Earth
  • The Geoid
  • Datums
  • Co-ordinate systems and transformations
  • Projections
  • Position fixing systems
  • GPS
  • Galileo and Glonass
  • Underwater positioning systems

Remote sensing:

  • Introduction
  • Remote sensing systems
  • Corrections applied to the data
  • Processing of remote sensing data
  • Applications of instrumentation to measure sea surface height, sea surface roughness, temperature, ocean colour, dissolved organic matter
  • Handling and analysing satellite data.

Acoustic methods:

  • Acoustic theory
  • Acoustic instrumentation and survey techniques
  • Applications of seafloor mapping

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Partial understanding of basic principles of geodesy, positioning, remote sensing and underwater acoustic propagation; Basic appreciation and limited understanding of the potential applications of remote sensing and acoustic techniques; Basic ability to solve numerical problems associated with acoustic propagation in the water column; Basic ability to process, present and interpret a variety of spatial data.

excellent

Thorough understanding of the basic principles of geodesy, positioning, remote sensing and sound propagation in ocean waters and at the sediment/water interface; Highly developed appreciation and thorough understanding of the potential applications of remote sensing and acoustic techniques in earth systems analysis, including applications in physical oceanography, marine geology and marine biology including keen ability to solve numerical problems associated with satellite design and the propagation and interactions of EM and ocean waves; Highly developed ability to solve numerical problems associated with acoustic propagation in the water column; Highly developed ability to process, present and interpret a variety of spatial data.

good

Clear understanding of the basic principles of geodesy, positioning, remote sensing and acoustic propagation; Comprehensive appreciation and clear understanding of the potential applications of remote sensing and acoustic techniques in earth systems analysis, including applications in physical oceanography, marine geology and marine biology including ability to solve numerical problems associated with satellite design and application and the propagation and interactions of EM and ocean waves; Ability to solve numerical problems associated with acoustic propagation in the water column; Ability to process, present and interpret a variety of spatial data.

Learning outcomes

  1. To understand the behaviour of EM radiation and its utility in remote sensing systems

  2. To appreciate the potential pitfalls in positional data in terms of geodetic datums, and understand the basic principles of geodesy as they influence the apparent position of any acquired scientific field data.

  3. To analyse and interpret acoustic data sets, notably echo-sounder, side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler data.

  4. To understand how GPS, DGPS and RTK GPS works and be able to decide upon the most appropriate position fixing systems for a given application (to appreciate their accuracy limits, practical limitations and pitfalls in their use).

  5. To demonstrate an ability to use computer packages for image analysis of spatial (remote sensing) data

  6. To understand and appreciate practical applications of marine acoustics.

  7. To understand the fundamentals of acoustic propagation in ocean waters and near surface sediments.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Surveying Field Practical 15.00
COURSEWORK Acoustics 1: Bathymetric surveying 20.00
COURSEWORK Acoustics 2: Sidescan sonar and sub-bottom profiling 20.00
EXAM Examination 30.00
COURSEWORK Matlab plotting session 15.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Fieldwork

At present, set to being optional (subject to Covid-19 restrictions at the time of running the event)

 3
Private study 163
Lecture 22
Practical classes and workshops

Leads to assessments "Remote Sensing" and all "Acoustics" assessments.

 12

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

Resources

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: