Unit information: GIS and Remote Sensing of Natural Hazards in 2013/14

Unit name	GIS and Remote Sensing of Natural Hazards
Unit code	EASCM0022
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Matthew Watson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Successful completion of years 1-3 of either the Environmental Geoscience or the Geology MSci degree programme curriculum. (MSc students please contact unit director
Co-requisites	n/a
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This course is designed for those who have an interest in remote sensing (typically though not always using satellites) of the natural world, and in particular natural hazards. The course has three distinct parts (1) the underpinning principles of remote sensing, including dealing with electromagnetic radiation's interaction with matter; (2) using these basic principles to observe, study and quantify natural hazards; and (3) GIS and its applications to understanding and communication hazards.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

• understand the physical principles of remote sensing

• use remote sensing to observe natural disasters

• use ENVI and ARC-GIS packages

Teaching Information

Lectures and Practicals

Assessment Information

This unit constitutes 10 credit points and 100 marks to your end-of year results. The coursework assessment (33%) will be based on the two essays and work undertaken in the practical, two of which will be assessed. A closed exam will constitute the remaining 66%.

Reading and References

• Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, W.G. Rees, CUP

• Remote Sensing of the Lower Atmosphere, G.L. Stephens, Oxford

• Clouds in a Glass of Beer, C Bohren, Wiley