2020-2021 / ENVT3060-1

Very high resolution remote sensing applied to the management of natural environments

Duration

18h Th, 36h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in environmental bioengineering (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in forests and natural areas engineering (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in geography: geomatics (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in geography : geomatics and surveying (120 ECTS)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Philippe Lejeune

Coordinator

Philippe Lejeune

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course aims to introduce the techniques of acquisition, processing and analysis of very high resolution remote sensing data, with a specific focus on the monitoring of agricultural, forest and semi-naturals ecosystems. 
This optional course follows the course ENVT0045 "Applied Geomatics and Remote Sensing".
 The course is structured in 4 main parts: - introduction to UAV imaging acquisition techniques; - initiation to the processing and analysis of very high resolution aerial imagery (photogrammetric processing, segmentation and classification); - introduction to LiDAR (aerial and terrestrial) data processing and analysis ; - introduction to SAR time series processing and analysis (Sentinel-1).

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of this course, the student must be able to: - Select a UAV equipment (platform and sensor) for a given objective; - Prepare and execute a data acquisition campaign with a UAV; - Process and analyze an image dataset produces with UAV (photogrammetric processing, analysis of the 3D model, classification); - Process ans analyze an Aerial LiDAR dataset (process of the point cloud and the raster layers derived from it) - Preprocess and analyze time series of Sentinel-1 SAR data.
 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

ENVT0045 "Applied Geomatics and Remote Sensing" or similar

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Reminders
2. UAV
2.1. Theoretical concepts (operation, piloting, regulation, sensors)
2.2 Implementation (flight planning and execution, image acquisition)
3. LiDAR
3.1 Theoretical concepts
3.2 Data acquisition
4. Image and data processing
4.1. Theoretical concepts of photogrammetry
4.2 Photogrammetric processing of UAV imaging (Photoscan software)
4.3. Aerial image processing (introduction to GDAL and OTB tools in R environnment)
4.4. LiDAR data processing (lidR package)
4.5. SAR Sentinel1 image processing (with Google Earth Engine)
5. Seminar: presentation of case studies and specific equipment
6. Projects: typical projects carried out by students (alone or in groups depending on the number of students enrolled in the course)
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course is organized as follows:
- a series of theoretical sessions
- a seminar (presentation of specific projects or equipment)
- tutorial sessions
- sessions dedicated to the realization of mini-projects based on the valorization of existing datasets 

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

The theoretical material is seen by the students in remote mode (video capsules).
Practical exercises are made available to students in the form of written notes and videos.
The face-to-face classes are organized in computer rooms.
Participation in these sessions is not mandatory.
They are mainly intended to answer the questions asked by the students for the theoretical part and to help with the realization of the practical exercises and the finalization of the personal project.
A seminar session of presentation of technical projects will be organized in an auditorium with a capacity adapted to the size of the group.
The practical session devoted to UAV piloting will be organized outdoors in small groups.
 

Recommended or required readings

The teaching materials will be available on eCAMPUS page of the course and on a dedicated server for the datasets.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Evaluation of the project report

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

p.lejeune@ulg.ac.be