625-211 Digital Geoscience Technology & Analysis

Earth Sciences 625-102

The rapid acceleration in the development and deployment of a wide range of earth observing satellite systems, and of digital spatial information technology in general, has fundamentally changed the way in which earth and environmental scientists observe and monitor the earth's environment and its resources. This subject examines the wide range of digital geoscience information available and provides hands-on experience of computer software and methods which enable this type of information to be processed and integrated with field based observations.

Topics will include properties and behaviour of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with earth materials, characteristics of satellite and airborne sensors most suitable for earth and environmental science applications, the spectral properties of earth materials, digital data formats, analysing and classifying multispectral and hyperspectral data, management and fusion of different digital data types, earth coordinate systems, georeferencing and assembly of multiple image mosaics, GPS technology, spatial interpolation and prediction methods (geostatistics), techniques and technologies for visualising and presenting digital information electronically and for digital cartographic production.

Students will acquire generic skills in:

• computer data processing, management and analysis;

• problem solving in a team environment; and

• identifying and prioritising critical components of a larger project.

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (60%). Practical excercises to be completed during the scheduled sessions and practical and written assignments not exceeding a total of 3000 words (40%).