Course Title: Earth Observation Science
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Earth Observation Science
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
GEOM2084 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015 |
GEOM2084 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024, Sem 2 2025 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Deepak Gautam
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0351
Course Coordinator Email: deepak.gautam@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 12.12.31
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Assumed Knowledge
You are expected to have completed the majority of first year courses in the surveying program BH116 or geospatial science program BH117.
Course Description
This course will introduce you to the basic principles of Earth Observation Science. The course is taught in the second year of the program and draws on the general surveying and mapping knowledge you have acquired in the first year of your program. The course includes the development of the technologies and covers fundamental concepts of Earth Observation. The Course will incorporate the theory and practices of using remotely sensed data for Earth Observation. You will learn about the basic principles of Earth Observation, image enhancement and interpretation, satellite systems, classifications, and active remote sensing. You will also perform several contemporary practical exercises for application for example to bushfire, agriculture, and environment. By the end of this Course, you will develop a solid foundation in the theory and practical skills for Earth Observation through remotely sensed data. The course provides you with the foundation knowledge necessary for you to undertake GEOM2086 Advanced Imaging Technologies.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science Major)
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH116P23 - Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)
PLO1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies and practices that underpin the significance of surveying in society.
PLO6 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH117P23 - Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
PLO1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies, and specialist practices in the geospatial science.
PLO2 Critically analyse and evaluate geospatial data from different sources, standards, and governance for supporting a range of applications, using methods, tools, and technologies in the geospatial discipline. "
PLO4 Critically review and synthesize principles of geospatial science summarising current and emerging professional trends to inform evidence based decision making and generate geospatial intelligence
PLO6 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH116 - Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Honours)
PLO 1.2 Knowledge Capability - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice.
PLO 1.3 Knowledge Capability - Apply specialist bodies of knowledge in Surveying and Geospatial Science
PLO 2.1 Technical Capability - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement and data management problems.
PLO 2.2 Technical Capability - Proficiently perform spatial computations in two and three dimensions.
PLO 2.4 Technical Capability - Proficiently perform specialised survey computations.
PLO 3.2 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions.
BH117 - Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours)
PLO 1.2 Knowledge capabilities - Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in contemporary practice
PLO 1.3 Knowledge capabilities - Apply specialist bodies of knowledge in Surveying and Geospatial Science.
PLO 2.1 Technical capabilities - Apply standard and advanced techniques to solve a range of measurement and data management problems.
PLO 2.2 Technical capabilities - Proficiently perform spatial computations in two and three dimensions.
PLO 3.2 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions.
PLO 3.3 Critical Analysis and Problem Solving - Apply critical and analytical skills in a scientific and professional manner.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial features
- Describe the types of sensors that are used to detect and record the electromagnetic spectrum from space- and air-borne platforms
3. Critically examine the trade-offs between spatial, spectral, radiometric and temporal resolution of remotely sensed data
4. Define and critically analyse spectral signatures and feature space plots
5. Perform basic operations associated with digital image processing of satellite and aerial images.
6. Describe the range of applications of remotely sensed data for monitoring and managing marine and terrestrial environment.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, which may include books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1 – 6
Assessment Task 2: In-class test
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 - 6
Assessment Task 3: Practical Exercises
Weighting 30 %
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4, 5, & 6
Assessment Task 4: Industry reflection assessment
Weighting 10%
The assessment supports CLOs 1 & 6
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.