Satellite image processing teaches the theory and methods of digital image processing. We will explore the principles of image statistics extraction, radiometric & geometric correction, image enhancement, thematic classification, change detection, and integration of satellite imagery and geographic information systems databases. Computer processing of digital satellite images will be a central part of the course. Many different satellite image data sets will be processed using the ERDAS Imagine image processing software package.

• Required:
  • The text for this course is Introductory Digital Image Processing: A Remote Sensing Perspective (2nd Edition) which was written by John R. Jenson: 1996, Prentice Hall. This book is available at the campus bookstore.
• Optional:
  • Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images: An Introduction, 2nd Edition, Paul M. Mather, ISBN: 0471985503; 2nd edition (June, 1999).
  • Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis: An Introduction by Xiuping Jia, John A. Richards, D. E. Ricken (Editor)

• Required:
  • The practical exercises provide a way to acquire skills using ERDAS Imagine and to apply the course concepts to real data. The lab manual and ERDAS Field Guide are available in Acrobat format. These books are necessary to complete the labs.
• Optional:
  • ERDAS Imagine website
  • Other on-line resources

The class will meet in Sabin 223. We will first discuss the course readings and then we will do the practical exercises on the computers. You should be able to finish the labs during the assigned time periods but the lab is open at the posted times if you do not finish. The practical exercises provide a way to acquire skills in using ERDAS software package and to apply the course concepts to real data.

Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of successful completion of the exams, lab assignments, project, and class participation. Each method is explained below.

Reading and homework assignments are given to supplement the lecture materials. Unless changed by the instructor, it is assumed that the student will have completed the assignment prior to coming to lecture on the due date. Several relatively brief homework exercises will be assigned during the semester to ensure that the pertinent procedures and concepts discussed in lecture are understood. Students are expected to work the homework individually and not collectively. Homework turned in after the due date but before the next class will receive 80 percent of the grade. Homework will not be accepted that is more than one class period late.

Three examinations, Exam1, Mid-Term and Final, will be given. Test1 and the Mid-Term Exam will include all materials assigned or presented through the previous weeks. More detailed on exams will be provided in class. The Final Exam will be given during the regular final exam week, at a place and time to be announced. It will include the material covered since the Mid-Term Exam.

Each class is critical to your semester-long learning experience. Your energy in contributing to class discussions, small-group exercises, and presentation will be important. Your grade for class participation will be based on attendance and participation in the group process such as class presentation etc. If students’ participation in class discussions is not satisfactory additional quizzes will be added.

The project is intended to provide a deeper understanding of a remote application through experience. The project should investigate a particular research problem and use the Erdas Imagine software package. You will need to acquire satellite data from the internet or from archives available in the Department of Geography. The project will be marked by a set of milestones from data collection, data management, data preprocessing, analysis and modeling, and result presentation. More detailed guidelines and requirements on class projects will be provided in class. Students are encouraged to freely discuss their project ideas with the instructor. During the last scheduled lab period, students will present their project to the class. The presentations can be no longer than fifteen (15) minutes and should use PowerPoint, overheads and/or slides. All assignments should be word-processed, double-spaced, using one side of the paper only with ample margins.

Lab Assignments and Quizzes	30%
Discussion Lead	5%
Exam 1	10%
Midterm	10%
Final Exam	10%
Final Project	25%

Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any suspected or confirmed case of academic misconduct will be reported and pursued in accordance with University regulations.

Students having special needs/disabilities that require accommodations for successful completion of this course must notify both SWT’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) and the course instructor by no later than the end of the first week of classes. The ODS is located at: 213 Student Services Center and the phone number is: 273-2676.