Geotechnical and Geological Applications of RemoteSensing

Remote sensing is defined as the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it. This module introduces the basic principles of remote sensing, including, but not limited to, the fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation and its interactions with the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, satellite missions, sensors, orbits, and applications, as well as how to process and interpret remote sensing datasets. This module also covers the use of remote sensing data and methodologies to extract compositional (e.g., lithologic) and structural information.
Period:
• Four weeks (condensed module)
• Eight weeks (full module)
Contents:
• Definitions
• Electromagnetic radiations
• Interactions of Electromagnetic waves with Earth’s surface and Atmosphere
• Acquisition of electronic images (Whisk-broom; Push-broom)
• Format of Electronic Imagery (Raster; Vector)
• Spectral Signature
• Resolution

o Spatial
o Spectral
o Radiometric
o Temporal

• Remote Sensing Systems

o Orbits (Polar; Sun-synchronous)
o Moderate to Fine-scale Coverage (Landsat; SPOT; ASTER; IRS; IKONOS; ORBVIEW)
o Broad to Moderate-Scale Coverage (AVHRR; MODIS; SeaWIFS; MERIS; GRACE)

• Spectroscopy of Rocks and Minerals
• Spectral signature
• Image classifications
• Geologic mapping using remote sensing images:

o Landsat TM
o ASTER

• Applications of Remote Sensing
• Hands-on exercises
Participants will develop software-oriented skills on how to:
• Explore the benefits in applying remote sensing data and techniques in addressing geotechnical and geological problems.
• Competently interpret, process and evaluate remotely sensed images.
• Extract lithological and structural data from remote sensing images.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between remote sensing systems and their
characteristics and limitations.