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REMOTE SENSING
MARCO PELLEGRINI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 2
Hours 16
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM05 W000675

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Mathematics and Physics.

Development of the course

The course includes theoretical lectures (2 credits, 16 hours). Interactive teaching-learning experiences and numerical-practical exercises are planned. Course attendance, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
The course enables students to acquire and practice the fundamental knowledge of remote sensing together with its main applications.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
The student will also acquire the following professional skills: the ability of description of the main physical phenomena regulating the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter (atmosphere, ocean and soil), for a better understanding of the connection with different environmental issues.

Soft Skills:
The course helps to improve the capacity of analysis and synthesis of information and the communication skills of the students.

Program

Part 1: passive remote sensing. Definition of remote sensing and brief historical review. Elements of a remote sensing system. Energy sources and radiation. Electromagnetic spectrum. Black-body laws. Emission spectrum of the Sun and the Earth. Radiative budget of the Earth. Electromagnetic energy-matter interactions (atmosphere, land surface): reflection, transmission and refraction. Scattering and absorption. Atmospheric windows. Spectral reflectance. Emissivity. Radiance temperature. Multispectral and thermal sensors: Energy collected by a sensor. Passive microwave sensors. Multispectral sensors. Types of scan. Temporal, spatial, spectral and radiometric resolution. Thermal infrared and microwave sensors. Radiometric calibration.

Satellites and orbits. Geostationary and Sun-synchronous orbits. Satellite constellations. Satellites for land resources monitoring. Satellites for weather forecasting.

Part 2: active remote sensing. LIDARs and RADARs. Features of a radar system. Radar equation. Doppler’s effect. Polarimetric radar. Main applications of active remote sensing: meteorology, altimetry, environmental monitoring, air traffic control.

In addition, practical experiences aiming at a better understanding of the physical laws introduced during lectures, image data processing and GIS (Geographic Information System) basics are planned.

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The assessment of learning is through an oral interview. The exam consists of three questions regarding course content, which may also include the use of knowledge acquired during interactive classroom activities.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes:
During the interview, knowledge about course topics, mathematical formalism and communication ability are evaluated.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
During the interview, the autonomous capacity of the student to set up and solve the problems is evaluated. The ability to properly and appropriately use technologies and strategies of remote sensing is also evaluated.

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The certification of the suitability of the knowledge is assigned to students who demonstrate sufficient knowledge of theory and technologies of remote sensing.

Recommended reading

- Lecture notes;
- Documentation about “Diffusione e sperimentazione della cartografia, del telerilevamento e dei sistemi informativi geografici, come tecnologie didattiche applicate allo studio del territorio e dell'ambiente” Research Project (written in Italian), available online at http://dipsa.unibo.it/catgis/teler.html.
Project’s website: http://dipsa.unibo.it/catgis/index.html;
- Brivio Pietro A., Giovanni Lechi, Eugenio Zilioli, “Principi e metodi di telerilevamento”, Città Studi, 2006.

Courses

• Rischio ambientale e protezione civile