2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart
Introduction
This unit introduces you to theoretical and practical foundations of remote sensing. The unit starts with the physics of remote sensing including the concepts of electromagnetic energy and the interaction of energy with the atmosphere and the earth surface. We will cover the technical and practical characteristics of a range of satellite and airborne sensors. You will work with satellite images and image analysis tools in weekly computer practicals. Throughout the unit you will explore remote sensing research topics in the scientific literature that will prepare you for a research thesis. This unit is offered at the graduate level.
Summary
| Unit name | Environmental Remote Sensing A |
| Unit code | KGG542 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Professor Arko Lucieer |
| Delivered By | |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 |
|
|
|
|
- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the theory of electromagnetic energy, sensor systems, and image processing to select and justify appropriate methods for Earth observation problems
- Apply remote sensing datasets, concepts, and techniques to solve real-world spatial problems.
- Apply image analysis software to display, query, process, and manipulate remote sensing imagery, and extract relevant information.
- Communicate perspectives and knowledge in remote sensing and spatial sciences to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, oral, cartographic, and other visual means.
- Critically evaluate remote sensing datasets, analytical workflows, and results to identify limitations and propose improvements in the context of professional spatial problem-solving.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 031103 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,401.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Weekly pre-recorded video content that needs to be reviewed before each seminar. Weekly one-hour on-campus seminar focusing on practical demonstrations and Q&A. One weekly 3-hr practical. Seminars and practical introductions will be recorded and made available on MyLO. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assessment Task 1: Foundations of image interpretation (15%)|Assessment Task 2: Applied remote sensing techniques (35%)|Assessment Task 3: remote sensing case study (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | We will be using chapters from the Earth Observation Australia (EOA) texbooks: https://www.eoa.org.au/earth-observation-textbooks We will also refer to other readings in the weekly MyLO pages. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.