Last modified: 18 Hours, 6 Minutes ago
Explore the tools and techniques used to study planets from afar. This course introduces core principles of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), equipping students with practical skills to analyse planetary surfaces and environments using real spacecraft and satellite data. Students will get ample opportunities to look at the colourful intriguing landscapes of distant planets, analysing and studying them!
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the use of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in planetary science. As space missions generate increasingly vast and complex datasets, the ability to interpret and analyse planetary surfaces and environments from orbit has become an essential skill in the field. This course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed to work with remote sensing data acquired from satellites, orbiters, and landers targeting a variety of planetary bodies including our own Earth.
Students will be introduced to the physical principles behind remote sensing, including electromagnetic radiation, spectral signatures, and sensor technologies. The course covers major types of remote sensing data used in planetary science such as multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, and thermal infrared imagery. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on computer-based exercises, students will learn how to process, visualise, and interpret these data using industry-standard software.
Key topics will include image identification and acquisition, spectral analysis, surface mapping, geomorphological interpretation, and topographic data processing and analyses. The course will also explore GIS-based spatial analysis techniques, with an emphasis on integrating diverse datasets to address scientific questions about planetary evolution, volcanism, impact cratering, surface processes, and potential astrobiological habitats.
A strong emphasis is placed on practical skills development. Students will gain experience working with real space mission data from various instruments. Practical sessions and assignments will focus on case studies that mirror current research challenges, including identifying interesting surface features, terrain mapping, and geomorphological analysis.
This course is ideal for students pursuing careers or research in planetary science, remote sensing, space exploration, or geospatial data science. No prior experience with remote sensing or GIS is required, although familiarity with basic computing and earth or planetary science concepts is beneficial.
This course is taught by experienced staff with active research profiles in planetary remote sensing and is supported by access to computing facilities and software.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 20 | Feedback Weeks | 23 | |
| Feedback |
2,500-word reflective report. This will be an end-of-the-term assessment, gauging students’ understanding of the entire course. Individual feedback will be provided. The students are to synthesise and submit the report by the deadline. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Apply | Ability to identify and apply appropriate data types and processing techniques for specific planetary research questions |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding the principles of remote sensing and how they relate to planetary science |
| Procedural | Analyse | Ability to perform image enhancement, classification, and analysis using remote sensing software. |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to apply GIS to synthesise and interpret planetary datasets in a geospatial context. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Ability to critically evaluate the capabilities and limitations of different remote sensing instruments and platforms. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14 | Feedback Weeks | 15 | |
| Feedback |
1-hour MCQ exam. This will be a mid-term assessment, gauging students’ understanding of the first four foundational lectures and practicals in the course. Individual feedback will be provided. The online MCQ exam will be opened for a 48-hrs period within which, the students can attempt it within any given hour. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Apply | Ability to identify and apply appropriate data types and processing techniques for specific planetary research questions |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding the principles of remote sensing and how they relate to planetary science |
| Procedural | Analyse | Ability to perform image enhancement, classification, and analysis using remote sensing software. |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to apply GIS to synthesise and interpret planetary datasets in a geospatial context. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Ability to critically evaluate the capabilities and limitations of different remote sensing instruments and platforms. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 50 | Feedback Weeks | 51 | |
| Feedback |
1-hour MCQ exam. This will be a mid-term assessment, gauging students’ understanding of the first four foundational lectures and practicals in the course. Individual feedback will be provided. The online MCQ exam will be opened for a 48-hrs period within which, the students can attempt it within any given hour. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 50 | Feedback Weeks | 51 | |
| Feedback |
2,500-word reflective report. This will be an end-of-the-term assessment, gauging students’ understanding of the entire course. Individual feedback will be provided. The students are to synthesise and submit the report by the deadline. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding the principles of remote sensing and how they relate to planetary science |
| Conceptual | Apply | Ability to identify and apply appropriate data types and processing techniques for specific planetary research questions |
| Procedural | Analyse | Ability to perform image enhancement, classification, and analysis using remote sensing software. |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to apply GIS to synthesise and interpret planetary datasets in a geospatial context. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Ability to critically evaluate the capabilities and limitations of different remote sensing instruments and platforms. |
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