AER 102 provides an introduction to multiple topics and concepts in remote sensing. Each topic is first presented generally, then through the lens of how it can be applied to the aeronomy goals of Project PoSSUM. The course will emphasize basic principles, interspersed with some Python code examples and discussion of implementation strategies.
Prerequisites:
- PoSSUM Academy or PoSSUM Scientist-Astronaut Candidate
- AER 101 Space Environment
- Familiarity with trigonometry, algebra, and differential & integral calculus
- Knowledge of a programming language at an introductory/novice level (Python, R, MATLAB, IDL)
Text:
There is no specific textbook for the course. Readings will be provided to the students as necessary, except in cases where an assignment requests the student to select a work of their own choosing. However, there are several books that are excellent general resources that cover many of the course topics, and are recommended by the instructor. These include, but are not limited to:
- Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. W., & Chipman, J. (2015). Remote sensing and image interpretation. John Wiley & Sons.
- Schott, J. R. (2007). Remote sensing: the image chain approach. Oxford University Press on Demand.
Syllabus:
- Introduction
- What is remote sensing, and why do we need it for aeronomy?
- Important Moments in Remote Sensing History
- “Traditional” Imaging: Cameras
- Apertures: Pinholes vs Lenses (example: PMC-Turbo)
- Exposure
- Bayer patterns
- Spatial sampling theorem (Nyquist)
- Photogrammetry
- Mono techniques
- Stereo techniques
- Radiometry & Calibration
- Atmospheric absorption and transmittance
- Planck’s Law
- Radiometric Calibration
- Types of atmospheric models (i.e., MODTRAN & similar vs NRLMSISE-00)
- Exoplanetary atmospheric models
- Noise
- Sources (environmental, electronic, physical, etc.)
- Statistical representations
- Mitigation strategies
- Image Processing
- Data management
- File formatting
- Kernels & Band Math
- Spectroscopy & Polarimetry
- What are they, and why do we need them for aeronomy?
- Active Systems: Radar
- Basic history & principles of radar
- System examples
- Radar and aeronomy
- Active Systems: Lidar
- Basic history & principles of lidar
- System examples
- Lidar and aeronomy
- Wrap-up
Assignments:
Homework for the course will consist of a mix of written summaries based on literature review and light mathematical derivations and computation. Potential homework assignments include:
- Read an overview paper for a well-known remote sensing platform or satellite, and write a one to two page summary describing the remote sensing principles by which at least one of the associated sensors operate. (This assignment might be given 2-3 times, with a different platform/modality each time)
- Write a function to compute a blackbody curve based on Planck’s Law
- Write a function to compute the height of a point observed from a stereo image pair of known geometries
- Write a function to iterate input parameters for an atmospheric model
Course assignments also include a final project, which will consist of a student-selected topic in remote sensing and/or aeronomy in which the student will address a problem or explore nuances of processing remotely sensed data, whether through code or third party software (such as ENVI, ESA SNAP, or ImageJ). The student will complete a written one page proposal at some point during the course, with a final report approximately five pages in length turned in with source code (or a flowchart of steps taken in third party software) at the end of the course.