GSP 216

Introduction to
Remote Sensing
Sara Hanna
Department of Forestry and Wildland Resources
Overview

• Course Overview
• Expectations
• What is Remote
Sensing?
• Why Remote Sensing?
• Remote Sensing
Applications Acquired March 30th 2014 by
the Visible Infrared Imaging
Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor
on the Suomi NPP satellite
Overview

• Email: Sara.Hanna@Humboldt.edu
• Office: Forestry 206A
• Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday
9:00 am - 10:30 am or by appointment
• Labs: Forestry 203
• Door Code 2020

Image: Phytoplankton bloom in the Bering Sea

captured by Landsat 8, September 2014
Course Overview
The overall goal of this introductory course in remote
sensing is to gain an understanding of some of the
fundamental concepts of remote sensing. Some of the
specific objectives of this course include:

• Understanding the nature of electromagnetic radiation

and the uses of this radiation in remote sensing systems
• Learning about the elements of image interpretation and
photogrammetry
Course Overview
• Understanding the basic characteristics of different
remote sensing system, particularly aerial photography
(black and white, color, infrared, and color infrared),
multispectral scanners, thermal, and other systems
including Radar, and LiDAR systems
• Acquiring basic skills about image processing using
ERDAS IMAGINE software
• Discussing various environmental applications involving
remote sensing
Course Overview

Percentage
Assignment Points of Total
Grade
Lab Assignments 175 40%
Quizzes 45 10%
Activities, Discussions and
45 10%
Homework
Midterm Exam 45 10%
Final Project 90 20%
Final Exam 45 10%
Total 445 100%
Course Overview

Percentage
Assignment Points of Total
Grade
Lab Assignments 175 40%
Quizzes 45 10%
Activities, Discussions and
45 10%
Homework
Midterm Exam 45 10%
Final Project 90 20%
Final Exam 45 10%
Total 445 100%
Course Overview
Electronic Textbook
• A digital (PDF) text is available "Principles of remote sensing:
An introductory textbook" (Tempfli, K., N. Kerle, G.C.
Huurneman and L.L.F. Janssen, Editors). 2009, published by
the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and
Earth Observation (ITC).

Recommended Texts and Materials

• Thomas M. Lillesand, Ralph W. Kiefer, and Jonathan W.
Chipman. Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. Sixth Edition. (Available in the bookstore)
• External Storage Media: 4 GB or larger USB drive for backing
up work
Expectations
• Attend all scheduled class meetings
• Come to class on time
• Complete assigned readings and exercises prior to class
• Actively engage in class discussions and assignments
• Please make sure your cell phone and electronic devices
are turned off or on silent. If you use laptop for taking
notes, make sure you are not using it for purposes that
distract others (watching YouTube, e-mailing, etc.)
What is Remote Sensing?
Remote Sensing is the science of obtaining information
(or data) about objects or areas from a distance.

Remote sensed data is part of our daily life

• Photography (digital and film)
• Satellite Imagery for Maps (e.g. Google Earth)
• Weather forecasts
Why Remote Sensing?
• Ability to observe and collect data across large regions
• Possible to collect data on dangerous or inaccessible
areas
• Repeat observation allows for change detection
• Historical images and long-term change
• Can be cost effective
• Sensors can measure energy at wavelengths which are
beyond the range of human vision
Remote Sensing Applications
• Monitoring change on a global scale
• Coastal applications - monitoring shoreline changes, and
tracking sediment transport
• Forestry application, - mapping forest stands,
determining forest cover type , estimating biomass
• Ocean applications - monitoring ocean circulation and
current systems, measuring ocean temperature and
wave heights and tracking sea ice
• Natural resource management - Monitor land use, map
wetlands, and chart wildlife habitats
 Remote Sensing Applications
Southeastern Alaska, Yakutat Glacier

Acquired August 22, 1987 by Landsat-5 Acquired August 13, 2013 by Landsat-8
Remote Sensing Applications
Carlton Complex Fire, Washington State

False Color Infrared - Acquired July 31, Natural (True) Color - Acquired July 31,
2014 by Landsat-8 2014 by Landsat-8
Burned vegetation appears red, and the most severely burned areas are
generally the darkest. Patches of unburned forests, farmland appear green.
Remote Sensing Applications
Sea Surface Temperature and Plankton Blooms in Western Australia

MODIS imagery showing sea surface temperature on

the left and chlorophyll concentration on the right
Remote Sensing Applications
Mount Shasta

Landsat 8 Imagery of Mt Shasta- Left Nov 2013, Right Jan 2014

Remote Sensing Applications
Mount Shasta

Landsat 8 Imagery of Mt Shasta- Jan 2015

Remote Sensing Applications
Pine Bark Beetle Infestation - Colorado

Landsat 5 imagery showing the Lodgepole pine

forests near Grand Lake, Colorado on
September 2005, and September 2011
Remote Sensing Applications
• Wildlife, Geology, Archeology, Urban Planning
etc…..
• You get the idea!
• What’s something you want to learn or take
away from this class?