Sensor Science Course Series

The Sensor Science Course Series is composed of 3 courses* that introduce sensor scientists to the fundamental principles and software tools related to the imaging specialties of sensor science. Each course builds on the concepts and skills learned from the preceding course. The series is designed to be attended in the order listed:

1. Imaging Sensor Science Fundamentals
2. Geospatial Technology
3. Hyperspectral and Multispectral Technology

The Sensor Science Course Series is appropriate for sensor scientists, sensor technicians, and sensor analysts in the ground-based and aerial imaging communities. In addition, these courses may be useful to business development specialists and managers seeking supplemental background knowledge directly related to the imaging sensor science. It is recommended, however, that all attendees have a technical undergraduate background or equivalent.

During the Courses, students are paired in teams of two. Each team is provided a computer outfitted with the software used in the course. Students work together to produce a tangible result that they are required to brief at the end of the session. This briefing exercise, termed "articulation," forces the students to solidify and defend their results. By explaining what they have learned, students deepen their understanding and open the table for class discussion.

The Geospatial Technology and Hyperspectral/Multispectral Technology courses focus on RSI's ENVI® software for analysis of the imagery. This software package is currently among the preferred remote sensing analysis tools at many commercial companies, educational institutions, and government agencies including NGA and NVESD.

*It is optional to progress through the entire 3-course series. Students may choose to take only the first course or the first and second courses, based on individual workplace requirements.

1. Imaging Sensor Science Fundamentals
Course Length: 4 days

Prerequisites: An understanding of core mathematical functions (exponents, scientific notation, dimensional analysis, unit conversions), ability to use Microsoft Excel graphing capabilities, ability to create slide briefs in Microsoft PowerPoint

Brief Description: Introduction to the basics of sensor science principles, including radiation properties, atmospheric effects, target signature analysis, sensor design and sensor field performance in relation to target acquisition capabilities. Students develop skills using related software packages, including LowTran atmospheric analysis tool, WinProc thermal imagery analysis tool, and EOIRTA sensor performance analysis tool.

Syllabus:

Day 1: Radiation Properties and Atmospheric Interactions Electromagnetic Radiation Fundamentals - Workshop: Calculating Radiance and Irradiance from the sun Atmospheric Effects - Workshop: Using LowTran to calculate solar irradiance and atmospheric transmission

Day 2: Target Signatures Target Signatures Basics - Workshop: Using WinProcT to analyze thermal imagery and extract target signature values Articulation and Review - Students present and discuss workshop results

Day 3: Imaging Sensor Design and Lab Performance Imaging Sensor Design Basics - Workshop: Using FLIR sensors to collect calibration and target imagery Sensor Lab Performance - Workshop: Using nomograms to determine predicted sensor performance

Day 4: Field Performance Analysis Field Performance Analysis using EOIRTA target acquisition software - Workshop: Using extracted thermal values from collected imagery to predict target acquisition ranges Articulation, Review and Graduation - Students present and discuss workshop results - Final Review and Graduation

For more information, contact us at info@eoir.com.
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2. Geospatial Technology
Course Length: 3 days

Prerequisites: Imaging Sensor Science Fundamentals Course OR a working understanding of Imaging Sensor Science principles

Brief Description: Introduction to geospatial concepts including Cartography principles, the GPS System, WAAS satellites, georectification and georeferencing, mosaicking, change detection and image draping. Students develop an understanding of the sources of aerial and satellite imagery and the nature of the data. They develop a level of comfort in the ENVI® working environment and sample the some of the capabilities of the ENVI® software.

Syllabus:

Day 1: Cartography Fundamentals and GPS ­ The Shape of the Earth ­ Projections ­ Coordinate Systems Workshop: Calculating Distance using UTM coordinates ­ Datums Workshop: Using GeoTrans to convert between datums/coordinate systems to find points on a map ­ GPS and WAAS Concepts Workshop: Using a hand-held GPS receiver to find points on the Earth

Day 2: Georectification and Georeferencing ­ Overview of Remote Sensing Capabilities and Collection Devices ­ Image-to-Map Registration Workshop: Using ENVI® to georectify and georeference a digital aerial photograph ­ Image-to-Image Registration Workshop: Using ENVI® to register 3 small images to a larger geocorrected image

Day 3: Geocorrection Applications ­ Mosaicking Workshop: Using ENVI® to mosaic images together and check for accuracy ­ Change Detection ­ Image Draping Workshop: Using ENVI® to drape an image over a digital elevation model (DEM) ­ Articulation, Review and Graduation - Students present and discuss workshop results - Final Review and Graduation

For more information, contact us at info@eoir.com.
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3. Hyperspectral and Multispectral Technology
Course Length: 4 days

Prerequisites: Imaging Sensor Science Fundamentals Course and Geospatial Technology Course OR a working understanding of Imaging Sensor Science principles and experience using RSI's ENVI® Software to georeference and georectify imagery.

Brief Description: Introduction to the multispectral and hyperspectral concepts including the image processing chain, image calibration, filters, ratios, transformations, spectral signatures, signature libraries, and atmospheric correction. Students gain experience using ENVI® to manipulate imagery as an introduction to the field of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging.

Syllabus:

Day 1: Overview of Remote Sensing principles ­ Atmospheric Science and Matter/Energy Interaction ­ Sensors and Major Components ­ Terminology ­ Introduction to the Image Processing Chain Workshop: Review of geospatial image elements Workshop: Using ENVI to prepare multispectral data

Day 2: Image Processing Chain ­ Multispectral Image Calibration ­ Image Enhancement ­ Image Classification Workshop: Using ENVI® to process multispectral images

Day 3: Introduction to Hyperspectral Processing ­ Advantages and Disadvantages to Hyperspectral Data ­ Spectral Signatures and Signature Libraries Workshop: Using ENVI® to prepare hyperspectral libraries ­ Image Calibration and Atmospheric Correction Workshop: Using ENVI® to prepare hyperspectral data

Day 4: Introduction to Hyperspectral processing (cont.) ­ Simple Signature Analysis ­ Complex Signature Analysis (as time permits) Workshop: Hyperspectral Data Analysis I Workshop: Hyperspectral Data Analysis II ­ Articulation, Review and Graduation Students present and discuss workshop results Final Review and Graduation

For more information, contact contact us at info@eoir.com.
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