About the course
Recommended semester of study: 5th semester (3rd year B.Sc., WS)
Number of credits: 3
Teaching:
prof. Mgr. Jaroslav HOFIERKA, PhD. Mgr. Katarína ONAČILLOVÁ, PhD.
The conditions for completing the course:
The conditions for completing the course include continuous assessment through exercises and a final evaluation at the end of the semester. The continuous assessment consists of 3 exercise assignments and a semester team project, each evaluated on a scale of 0-100 points. To pass the course, a student must score at least 50 points in each part of the assessment. The final grade is determined by the arithmetic average of the scores from the 3 assignments and the semester project. The grading scheme is as follows: A (100-90 points), B (80-89 points), C (70-79 points), D (60-69 points), E (50-59 points), FX (0-49 points).
Learning outcomes:
Theoretical and Methodological Knowledge: Gain an understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of remote sensing and explore the practical applications of these techniques.
Data Processing and Analysis Skills: Develop practical skills in processing, analyzing, and visualizing digital data obtained from remote sensing (RS) platforms within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and other relevant software.
Evaluation of RS Methods: Acquire the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different RS methods and sensor carriers for various applications in RS.
Collaboration and Independent Work: Enhance teamwork skills by collaborating effectively in a group setting, as well as develop independence in research and presentation of work results.
Lectures
1. Introduction to ESA Earth Observation and evolution – current and next generation missions
The lecture will provide an introduction to ESA's Earth Observation program, its evolution, and future trajectory. Participants will learn about the history of Earth Observation missions, including landmark initiatives that shaped the field. The discussion will also cover current missions, exploring their goals, technologies, and contributions to scientific understanding. A forward-looking perspective will examine next-generation missions, their technological advancements, and anticipated impacts on areas such as climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development. Attendees will gain insights into the technological and scientific evolution of Earth Observation, and its critical role in shaping our understanding of the planet.
2. ESA EO Data Access and resources, including Third Party missions, applications of Copernicus Earth Observation data
The lecture dives into ESA's Earth Observation (EO) data access procedures, detailing the resources available for both direct and third-party missions. It will demystify how to retrieve, interpret, and apply this data in a real-world context. It explains the EU Copernicus Earth Observation Program, highlighting its role in environmental monitoring, climate change tracking, and disaster management. A case study-based approach could be used to exemplify various applications, such as forest management, sea-level monitoring, and atmospheric studies. The lecture aims to equip attendees with the skills to navigate and access these important datasets effectively.
3. Key concepts and physical principles of remote sensing methods: electromagnetic energy, its properties, spectral behaviour and interaction with the environment
This lecture will delve into the foundational concepts of remote sensing methods, beginning with the role of electromagnetic energy and its properties. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of spectral behaviour, including visible, infrared, and microwave spectra. The session will further elucidate how electromagnetic waves interact with various environmental elements, affecting their detection and measurement. In-depth exploration of reflection, absorption, and emission principles will help attendees appreciate the complex interplay between electromagnetic energy and the environment.
4. Optical remote sensing using ESA Copernicus´ data: sensors and platforms, image metadata, image resolution (spectral, spatial, temporal and radiometric resolution)
This lecture offers background on optical remote sensing using data from the ESA's Copernicus program. Key focus areas include the types of sensors and platforms employed, from multi-spectral to hyper-spectral instruments, and the role of satellites, aircrafts, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The significance of image metadata in interpreting and processing images is explored. Attendees will also gain understanding of image resolution concepts, including spectral, spatial, temporal, and radiometric resolution, and how these aspects influence data quality and usability. Practical examples of using Copernicus data for environmental monitoring and management will provide real-world context to these technical concepts.
5. Basics of Radar Remote Sensing - principles and applications
This lecture will cover the fundamentals how radar systems use micro waves to capture information about distant objects or areas, elucidating topics such as backscatter, polarization, interferometry and Doppler Effect. Attendees will learn about the various types of radar sensing, such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and their distinct characteristics. The lecture will also discuss the application of radar data in areas like topography mapping, disaster management, and vegetation analysis. Throughout, the lecture will incorporate case studies and practical examples to reinforce theoretical learning.
6. Precision agriculture mapping using multispectral data
The lecture will discuss the use of Copernicus multispectral data in optimizing agriculture. It will explain how the program's satellites, like Sentinel-2, capture data across multiple spectral bands to monitor plant health and soil conditions. Attendees will learn to interpret this data, using indicators like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The lecture will demonstrate how these insights aid in making precise decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, leading to improved crop yields and reduced environmental impact. It will also highlight the future potential of such technologies in supporting sustainable farming practices under climate change scenarios.
7. Spatio-temporal mapping of deforestation using multispectral data
This lecture will explore the process of interpreting imagery from satellites like Sentinel-2 to detect changes in forest cover over time and space. The significance of specific spectral bands for vegetation analysis and indices like NDVI will be discussed. The lecture will also cover the importance of temporal resolution in monitoring seasonal changes and detecting long-term deforestation trends. Attendees will understand the potential of remote sensing technology in monitoring and mitigating environmental issues, through practical examples of forest conservation and management strategies.
8. Mapping wildfires and burn severity using multispectral data
This lecture will delve into the process of interpreting Copernicus EO multispectral data from satellites like Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 to detect active fires and post-fire damage. The role of spectral indices such as the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) in evaluating burn severity will be discussed. Attendees will understand how temporal resolution contributes to tracking fire progression and recovery. Practical case studies will demonstrate the potential of EO data in supporting wildfire management, from early detection and monitoring to post-fire rehabilitation planning.
9. Air quality monitoring using Sentinel-5 data
The lecture provides an in-depth look into air quality monitoring using Sentinel-5 data from the ESA's Copernicus program. It focuses on how to utilize satellite data to monitor air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane on a global scale. The lecture explains the functioning of the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on Sentinel-5P, which enables these observations. Attendees will learn how to interpret and apply this data for environmental and public health initiatives. Case studies will offer a practical perspective, demonstrating the use of Sentinel-5 data in tracking pollution sources, monitoring air quality trends, and informing policy decisions.
10. Land surface temperature mapping/urban heat island mapping using ESA EO data
This lecture explores how Earth Observation (EO) data from the European Space Agency (ESA) can be used for land surface temperature mapping and urban heat island effect monitoring. Attendees will learn how to interpret thermal infrared data from satellites like Sentinel-3 to map temperature distributions. The lecture will discuss the significance of spatial and temporal resolutions in capturing fine-scale variations and temporal trends. It will also explain how such data is critical for studying urban heat islands, aiding in urban planning and public health. Case studies will demonstrate the practical application of these techniques in mitigating urban heat effects.
11. Snow and ice cover mapping using ESA Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data
This lecture explores how Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 and multispectral data from Sentinel-2 are used to detect, monitor, and measure snow and ice extent and thickness. Participants will learn about the unique spectral characteristics of snow and ice and how they influence remote sensing interpretations. The lecture also discusses the importance of such studies in understanding climate change impacts, water resource management, and navigation safety. Real-world examples illustrate the application of these techniques in cryospheric research.
12. Retrieval of digital elevation model (DEM) from ESA EO data and comparison with LiDAR outputs
This lecture discusses the retrieval of Digital Elevation Models specifically from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data of Sentinel 1, and compares this with airborne LiDAR-based DEMs. Attendees will learn how these methods capture topographical data, their advantages, and limitations. The lecture explores the role of SAR in creating DEMs under different conditions. It will also cover the usage of high-resolution LiDAR data for DEM generation. The session will help attendees understand the selection of suitable methods based on factors like terrain type, accuracy requirements, and resource availability.
13. Marine applications: nearshore bathymetry, sea surface monitoring
This lecture explains how Copernicus satellite data from missions like Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3 are used to retrieve bathymetric information, detect coastal and marine features, and monitor sea surface parameters like temperature, wavelength, or altitude. The lecture will also discuss the use of different spectral bands and indices in oceanic remote sensing. Real-world case studies, including coastal zone management and marine pollution monitoring, will demonstrate the practical significance of these EO data applications.
Practicals
1. Introduction to ESA Earth Observation and evolution – ESA EO data on the web
This practical is an introduction to ESA's Earth Observation, evolution and vision to the future. Attendees will gain insights into the ESA's pillars, basic concepts and themes, and how ESA apply those concepts and themes to solve real world problems using EO data. Participants will learn about ESA missions and data dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of humankind, development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
2. ESA EO Data Access and Selection, applications of Copernicus Earth Observation data
By the end of this practical, students will be able to retrieve free and open access Earth Observation data from ESA and third-party missions. The steps to set up access to the ESA Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem account and the EO browser will be explained. The student will learn how to select suitable scenes, visualise data, as well as creating Timelapses. The basic steps of how to install the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) software, import and process data from all Copernicus satellites as well as other commercial satellites will be shown.
3. Key concepts of remote sensing data processing, converting DN values to radiance and reflectance, using SNAP software
This practical will cover the fundamental steps of converting raw optical remote sensing data – Landsat 8 digital numbers (DNs) to physical units – spectral radiance and reflectance. Attendees will gain understanding of equations and scaling factors provided in metadata files that are used to convert DN values to Top of Atmosphere (TOA) reflectance, radiance. Also, TIRS data will be converted from spectral radiance to Top of Atmosphere Brightness Temperature.
4. Optical remote sensing using ESA Copernicus´ data: image metadata, image resolution (spectral, spatial, temporal and radiometric resolution), color compositions and spectral indices, using SNAP software
This practical offers background on optical remote sensing data and processing from the ESA's Copernicus program. By the end of this practical, students will be able to interpret image metadata and determine image resolution and what it means when working with EO data. Essential pre-processing steps of Sentinel-2 data will be performed in the SNAP software to create color compositions and spectral indices. The strength and the vitality of the vegetation on the earth's surface will be exploited using color compositions and spectral indices.
5. Basics of Radar Remote Sensing - data processing, using SNAP software
This practical will cover the fundamentals how to download and process Sentinel-1 SCL IW products for InSAR mapping. This practical will provide an understanding of basic radar systems concepts and terms. Radar propagation issues such as attenuation, multipath effects, and ducting are described. The concept of radar cross-section, waveform design, antennas, transmitter and receiver characteristics, and the detection of radar signals in the presence of noise are presented.
6. Precision agriculture mapping – digital image analyses using Sentinel-2 multispectral data, image classification, comparison with UAV multispectral data, using SNAP software
The practical will delve into the use of Copernicus multispectral data in optimizing agriculture mapping. It will explain how to use Sentinel-2 data to monitor plant health and soil conditions. Attendees will learn to process and interpret this data, using indicators like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) and the Green-red Vegetation Index (GRVI) will help detect moisture levels in vegetation. Sentinel-2 results will be compared with high-resolution UAV multispectral data. The practical will demonstrate how these insights aid in making precise decisions about pest management, leading to improved crop yields and sustainable farming practices under climate change scenarios.
7. Spatio-temporal mapping of deforestation using Sentinel-2 data, using SNAP software
This practical will explore the steps of processing the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to detect deforestation areas. The significance of specific spectral bands for vegetation analysis will be discussed and calculating indices like NDVI will be performed. The practical will also cover the importance of temporal resolution in detecting long-term deforestation trends. By using grayscale thresholding, a forest/nonforest image will be created.
8. Mapping wildfires and burn severity using Sentinel-2 data, using SNAP software
This practical will demonstrate the potential of Sentinel-2 satellite data to detect wildfires and burned areas. Attendees will understand the potential of EO data in supporting wildfire management, from early detection of wildfires and smoke plume using color compositons and cloud masks to post-fire quantifing of impacts and rehabilitation planning. Operations of reprojection and resampling of bands to the same pixel size will be performed to create the output that will be visualised also in QGIS software. The Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) will be used to identify burned areas and provide a measure of burn severity.
9. Air quality monitoring using Sentinel-5 data – practicals, using SNAP software
This practical provides an in-depth look into air quality monitoring using Sentinel-5 and Sentinel-2 data from the ESA's Copernicus program. By the end of this practical, attendees will be able to define suitable search criteria (time range, area, satellite, satellite product, visualization type) in EO Browser for a case study in air pollution using Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on Sentinel-5P. Students will learn how to monitor air quality, track pollution sources, create and interpret Sentinel-5P air quality maps on the example case of nitrogene dioxide (NO2) mapping. Then, Sentinel-2 (True Colour display) will be used to understand which features/elements exist in the areas where these NO2 levels are high.
10. Land surface temperature mapping using Sentinel-3 data, using SNAP software
This practical explores how Earth Observation (EO) data from the European Space Agency (ESA) can be used for land surface temperature mapping and detailed urban heat island analyses. Attendees will learn how to process thermal infrared data from satellites like Sentinel-3 to map temperature distributions so that informed decisions can be made. It will also explain how such data provide valuable information for city planners and climate modelers. Case studies will demonstrate the practical application of these techniques in mitigating urban heat effects.
11. Generating high resolution binary and fractional snow maps from Sentinel-2 data, using SNAP software
This practical explores how Sentinel-2 multispectral data are used to detect and measure snow and ice extent. Participants will learn how to generate and interpret high resolution binary and fractional snow cover products. The practical will also demonstrate real-world examples and applications of these techniques in cryospheric research.
12. Retrieval of digital elevation model (DEM) from Sentinel-1, comparison with LiDAR outputs, using SNAP software
By the end of this practical, student will be able to perform interferometric processing with Sentinel-1 IW products for DEM generation. A crucial step for a successful DEM generation will be the selection of an image pair with suitable properties. An external software package, snaphu (statisticalcost network-flow algorithm for phase unwrapping) will be installed to perform phase unwrapping. Then, the operator translates the phase into surface heights along the line-of-sight (LOS) in meters and using Terrain Correction SAR geometric distortions will be corrected using a digital elevation model (DEM) and producing a map projected product. Final product will be compared with LiDAR-derived output.
13. Marine applications: deriving nearshore bathymetric model with Sentinel 2 data using SNAP software
This practical explains how Copernicus satellite data from a wide-swath, high-resolution, multi-spectral imaging Sentinel-2 mission are particularly effective to support water cover monitoring and Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB) applications. For the derivation of the bathymetry data from the Sentinel-2 image we will adopt the model based on the principle that each band has a different absorption level over water and this diversity level theoretically will produce the ratio between bands. The practical will also discuss the use of different spectral bands and indices in oceanic remote sensing.
References
Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. W., & Chipman, J. (2014). Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. Wiley.
Maselli, F. (2018). Remote Sensing for Land Use Management. CRC Press.
Pukanská, K., Bartoš, K., Kseňak, Ľ (2022). Earth Observation with ESA missions (in Slovak). https://eo-esa.fberg.tuke.sk/en/university-textbook/
Jensen, J. R. (2007). Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth Resource Perspective. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to Remote Sensing. Guilford Press.
Aschbacher, J. (2017). The European Space Agency's Earth Observation Programme. In The European Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics. European Physical Society.
Websites:
COPERNICUS Programme (https://www.copernicus.eu/en)
Exploring ESA Sentinel Data: (https://www.sentinel-hub.com/)
European Space Agency's Earth Observation Portal (https://eoportal.org/)
NASA Earth Observatory (https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/)
USGS Earth Explorer (https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/)
