Module Information

Module Identifier
EAM4020
Module Title
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Coursework:  laboratory skills report based on analysis of Remote Sensing and GIS datasets 3000 Words  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written Examination  on theory and practice in Remote Sensing and GIS  50%
Supplementary Assessment Coursework  (Resubmission of failed assessments) 3000 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment 2 Hours   Written Examination  (Resubmission of failed assessments)  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe and evaluate different sources of geospatial data and how these can be used in real-world applications

Design and implement routines for analysing satellite imagery in a GIS

Design and implement routines for analysing multiple sources of geospatial data in a GIS

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of the electromagnetic spectrum in the context of Earth Observation

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of data projections and coordinate systems

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of geospatial data formats, data types and data management

Brief description

An introduction to core theory and skills related to remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems

Content

This module introduces the core theory and skills that underpin the disciplines of remote sensing (or Earth Observation) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Specifically, this includes the following themes:

- Coordinate systems
- Spatial data types and management
- Vector GIS processing and analysis
- Raster GIS processing and analysis
- Earth Observation image analysis
- Active and passive Earth Observation systems
- Fundamentals of GIS processing and analysis
- Spatial pattern analysis

These themes will be delivered in the context of real-World applications including important environmental challenges.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Quantitative analysis of geospatial data
Communication Discussions with fellow students in laboratories and through interactive lectures
Improving own Learning and Performance Literature review and discussions with lecturers
Information Technology Use of commercial and open source software
Personal Development and Career planning Awareness of scientific literature, functionality of a variety of software packages.
Problem solving Completing calculations in relation to electromagnetic theory, image pre-processing and spectral analysis. Also, the use of GIS for spatial analysis; selection of datasets and implementation of appropriate analysis techniques
Real world sense Applicability of geospatial dataset and analysis techniques
Research skills Using remote sensing and GIS software and reviewing literature
Subject Specific Skills As above
Team work Practical assignments

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7