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Syllabus
The Earth from Space: Remote Sensing of the Environment
Geography 3110, Fall 2014

Instructor: Tim Edgar, M.S.
Class Time and Location: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:20pm, 102 OSH
Lab Location: 273 OSH
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30pm-5:00pm, or by appointment
Office: 159D OSH
Office Phone: 801-585-5420 E-mail: tim.edgar@geog.utah.edu

Teaching Assistant: Josh Heyer
Office Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-2:30pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:45pm-1:45pm, or by appointment
Office: 109 OSH
Office Phone: 801-581-4963 E-mail: josh.heyer@geog.utah.edu

Course Description
Over the past decade there has been an extraordinary increase in the availability of remotely sensed images of Earth.
The explosion in the availability of remote sensing data has coincided with a growing number of remote sensing
applications. Remote sensing data are now used in anthropology, civil engineering, environmental sciences,
geography, geology, hydrology, natural resource assessment, meteorology, and urban planning. In this course, we will
examine remote sensing science, techniques, and applications. We will learn about the physical basis for remote
sensing and explore remote sensing technologies that use sunlight, infrared radiation, radar, and lasers. Five lab
exercises will give us hands-on experience with real remote sensing data and software.

Learning Outcomes
Identify and describe the components of a remote sensing system, including principals of electromagnetic
radiation.
Interpret common visual themes in remotely sensed imagery, and associate these themes with remote sensing
concepts.
Summarize interactions between electromagnetic radiation and matter that govern remote sensing within
different wavelength regions.
Demonstrate effective use of remote sensing software, including the ability to solve common analysis
problems.
Explain uses of remote sensing for multiple application areas.

Optional Textbook
Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth Resource Perspective, 2
nd
edition, John R. Jensen (2007) Prentice Hall,
ISBN 0-13-188950-8.

Evaluation
The following weights will be assigned to labs and exams to determine grades for the course:
Labs: 30%
Midterm 1: 20%
Midterm 2: 20%
Final: 30%

Exams
There will be three exams, including two midterms and a final. Exams will include multiple choice, short answer and
essay questions. The final exam will be cumulative. Exams cannot be made up unless the instructor is contacted prior
to an absence. If a make-up exam is offered, it may take any form, at the discretion of the instructor. If a make-up
exam is offered, you will be required to take the exam at the University testing center. Please note that a fee is charged
by the testing center for the use of their services.
The final exam will be held on Thursday, 18 December from 1-3 PM. Early final exams will not be given.
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Labs
There will be five labs held on five dates specified in the syllabus. All labs will be held in 273 OSH, unless otherwise
announced in class.

You are expected to do your own work on the labs. Labs are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due.
Labs turned in late will lose 10% of their value each day they are late. Labs that have been wholly or partially
plagiarized will receive a zero, and the student will be reported to the university and their home department.
Labs will be released on Canvas (http://utah.instructure.com). You may hand in lab assignments on paper (neatly
hand-written or typed) or electronically through Canvas.

Disabilities Statement
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with
disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for
Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to
make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative
format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.

Course Schedule
Date Topics Jensen Chapter
Tue Aug 26 Introduction
Thu Aug 28 Remote Sensing System Chapter 1

Tue Sep 2 History of Remote Sensing Chapter 3
Thu Sep 4 Remote Sensing and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Chapter 2

Tue Sep 9 Remote Sensing and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Thu Sep 11 Aerial Photography Chapter 4

Tue Sep 16 Image Interpretation Chapter 5
Thu Sep 18 Image Interpretation and Photogrammetry Chapter 6

Tue Sep 23 Photogrammetry
Thu Sep 25 Lab 1 (OSH 273)

Tue Sep 30 MIDTERM 1
Thu Oct 2 Multispectral Remote Sensing, Lab 1 Due Chapter 7

Tue Oct 7 Multispectral Remote Sensing
Thu Oct 9 Lab 2 (OSH 273)

Tue Oct 14 Fall Break (No Class)
Thu Oct 16 Fall Break (No Class)

Tue Oct 21 Thermal Remote Sensing, Lab 2 Due Chapter 8
Thu Oct 23 Thermal/Passive Microwave Remote Sensing Chapter 9, p. 330-332

Tue Oct 28 Lab 3 (OSH 273)
Thu Oct 30 Active Microwave Remote Sensing Chapter 9, p. 291-330

Tue Nov 4 Active Microwave Remote Sensing, Lab 3 Due
Thu Nov 6 Active Microwave Remote Sensing

Tue Nov 11 MIDTERM 2
Thu Nov 13 LIDAR Chapter 10

Tue Nov 18 Lab 4 (OSH 273)
Thu Nov 20 Remote Sensing of Vegetation Chapter 11

Tue Nov 25 Remote Sensing of Vegetation, Lab 4 Due
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Thu Nov 27 Thanksgiving Break (No Class)

Tue Dec 2 Remote Sensing of Water Chapter 12
Thu Dec 4 Lab 5 (OSH 273)

Tue Dec 9 Remote Sensing of Land Surface Materials, Lab 5 Due Chapter 14
Thu Dec 11 Remote Sensing of Urban Landscapes Chapter 13

Thu Dec 18 Final, 1-3 PM, OSH 102