GV2MEA: Monitoring the Earth from Above

Module code: GV2MEA

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Jonathan Dale, email: j.j.dale@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 20 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce students to a variety of remote sensing methods and approaches and the associated advantages and disadvantages.  Students will learn how to turn data collected via these methods into useful information for a range of geographical applications. This module will develop student’s awareness of the importance of different spatial and temporal scales. Students will also learn about and the importance of resolution whilst conducting remote sensing analysis.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Describe and explain the physical basis of remote sensing approaches and be able to select an appropriate method and/or sampling approach, depending on the required application, and show an understanding of the different remote sensing techniques.  
2. Demonstrate an understanding of process of accessing and collecting remotely sensed data, including any relevant legal and logistical considerations. 
3. Calculate and interpret a range of image processing algorithms, indices, techniques, and software to appropriately analyse, present and communicate remotely sensed data. 
4. Understand and explain the controls over what we can and cannot interpret from different types of remote sensing data, including the role of error and ensuring adoption of a systematic approach to accuracy, precision and uncertainty. 

Module content

The module will cover development of remote sensing. This will include topics such as the use of aerial photography, the structure of digital image data, electromagnetic radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum, and the spectral characteristics of, for example, vegetation and different. Students will develop skills in using different remote sensing systems and platforms for applications in topics such as geology, geomorphology, soil science, vegetation monitoring, meteorology and climatology, coastal zone and oceanography. Practical sessions will give students the opportunity to develop skills in acquiring and handling remotely sensed data, including data collected via unmanned aerial systems, aerially and satellites. Students will then have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through a remote sensing project to be written up as the summative assessment.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will encounter a wide range of teaching and learning methods on this module. Key theories and concepts will be delivered during lectures, with students applying their learning in practical PC lab sessions. Students learning will be supported via a range of resources including videos and online content.

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Each week the students will work on a practical activity, which will be used to provide formative feedback to students and guide the student as to the progress of their learning.

Reassessment

Additional costs