UNIVERSITY OF VENDA
FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MODULE: ELEMENTS OF REMOTE SENSING AND GEOMATICS
CODE: 1220
PREREQUISITES: 1120
AIM : To teach students remote sensing techniques (photography and remote
sensing)
LEARNING OUTCOME(S): On completion of the module students should be able to do the
following:
❖ Acquire an understanding of different remotely sensed images (aerial photographs, satellite
images).
❖ Interpret maps and remotely sensed images.
❖ Analyze key environmental and socio-economic issues using remotely sensed images.
❖ Integrate map and aerial photograph data and use it for learning processes and projects
CREDIT: 16
CONTACT: 4 hours per week & 3-hour practical
ASSESSMENT METHOD:
2 x Exercises
1 x Test
1 x Project
1 x Examination
WEEK OUTLINE VENUE
1. 1. Introduction to remote sensing GNL1
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• The composition of the
atmosphere and
electromagnetic energy
Exercise 1: Remote Sensing
2. Electromagnetic energy and GNL1
processes
• Interaction between
electromagnetic energy and
other objects/ processes
• Atmospheric processes
- Scattering (Rayleigh,
Mie, Non-selective)
Absorption (gaseous molecule
absorption, ultraviolet absorption,
ozone
3. • Atmospheric processes, GNL1
continue
- Reflection
- Refraction
4. Remote sensing techniques GNL1
• Aerial photography
• Satellite imagery
• Imaging systems
• Principles of object
identification
Exercise 2: Remote sensing
techniques
5. Remote sensing and environment GNL1
• Environmental management
• Risk assessment
6. Introduction to GIS GNL1
• What is GIS
• History of GIS
7. Project: GIS application Areas GNL1
8. Functions of GIS GNL1
• Connectivity functions
(network, spread, seek and
intervisibility functions)
• Analytical functions
(proximity, overlay and
spatial-temporal analysis)
9. TEST (To be confirmed)
10. Geomatics and surveying GNL1
• Introduction to surveying
and geomatics
• Drafting fieldwork plans
11. Geomatics and surveying, continue GNL1
• Field sketch production
• Measurements of slope
gradients
• Direction and bearing.
12. REVISION GNL1
Recommended readings
1. Campbell, J.B; Wynne, R.H and Thomas, V.A. 2022. Introduction to Remote
Sensing, sixth edition. The Guilford Press.
2. Bhatta, B. 2011. Remote Sensing and GIS. Oxford University Press.
3. Heywood, I. 2006. An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Prentice
Hall
4. Campbell, J.B. 2002. Introduction to Remote Sensing. Fernerkundung: CRC
Press.
5. Atkinson, P.M. & Nicholas, J.T. 1999. Advances in remote sensing and GIS
analysis. USA: John Wiley & Sons.
6. BernHardsen, T. 1999. Geographical Information Systems: an introduction. USA:
John Wiley & Sons.
7. Demers, M.N. 1997. Fundamental of Geographic Information System. John Wiley
& Sons.
8. Haines-Young, R, Green, D.R. & Cousins, S.H. 1998. Landscape Ecology and
GIS. Taylor & Francis.
9. Longley, P.A, Goochild, M.F, Maguire, D.J & Rhind, D.W 1999. Geographical
Information Systems. Volume 1. John Wiley & Sons.
10. Longley, P.A, Goochild, M.F, Maguire, D.J & Rhind, D.W. 1999. Geographical
Information Systems. Volume 2. John Wiley & Sons
