Description

In this introductory course hosted by NASA's Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET), participants are provided with an overview of remote sensing for coastal and ocean applications. This includes a background in aquatic remote sensing, data access and tools for processing and analyzing imagery, and examples and live demonstrations of tools that have been developed for NASA and partner organizations. This course covers data products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO), and other sensors commonly used for ocean applications.

Prerequisites

• Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

Objectives

Participants will learn about NASA Earth observation resources (data and tools) available for coastal and ocean applications, including:

• A basic understanding of remote sensing in aquatic environments
• How to access and visualize relevant NASA Earth Science data
• Techniques for using NASA Earth Science data for coastal and ocean applications in the areas of animal migrations and coral reef health

Target Audience

This training is for local, regional, state, federal, and international organizations interested in using satellite imagery for coastal and ocean applications. Governmental and non-governmental organizations in the public and private sector engaged in environmental management and monitoring.

Course Format

• Four 1-hour parts

Sessions

Part 1: Overview of Satellite Remote Sensing of Aquatic Environments

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

An overview of themes in coastal and ocean applied science, how remote sensing is used for coastal and ocean applied science, fundamentals of remote sensing (spatial, temporal, spectral resolutions), and the advantages and limitations of remote sensing in aquatic environments. 

Materials

• Part 1 Presentation Slides (PDF, 24.2 MB)

Part 2: Platforms and Sensors for Ocean Observations, Data Access, and Processing Tools

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Satellites and sensors for coastal and ocean applications, satellite data processing levels, NASA satellite data access tools and data processing tools. 

Materials

• Part 2 Presentation Slides (PDF, 7.7 MB)
• Links from Presentation (PDF, 48 KB)

Homework

• Part 2 Homework

Part 3: Animal Movement

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Overview of animal movement and migration, an overview of coupled model and remote sensing tools for tracking animal movement, examples of remote sensing tools for understanding animal movement, challenges to tracking animal movement in a moving environment, and a live demonstration of Roffer's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service. 

Materials

• Part 3 Presentation Slides (PDF, 15.8 MB)

Part 4: Coral Reefs

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

An overview of coral biology, corals in a changing climate, an overview of coupled model and remote sensing tools for understanding coral reef health, examples of remote sensing tools for understanding coral reef systems, and a live demonstration of NOAA Coral Reef Watch. 

Materials

• Part 4 Presentation Slides (PDF, 11.6 MB)

Homework

• Part 4 Homework