Earth Observation B-module

The module consists of four theory units (4 × 2 EC), a lab (4 EC), and fieldwork (3 EC). At least two of the units, with associated learning objectives, should come from the following list: Geodesy and Geodynamics, Optical Remote Sensing, and Geostatistical Data Analysis. Additional units can be chosen from the other B-modules of the EC&T programme.

The goal of the EO Mission Lab is to familiarize students with the process of specifying and designing an observational mission or campaign (e.g., a new satellite mission or a ground-based measurement campaign). This process includes interpreting and analyzing user needs and translating them into observational requirements, the high-level design of potential technical solutions, and the evaluation of expected observational performance with respect to user requirements. The lab will adopt an inquiry-based learning strategy, where students will work in groups of 4–5 on an observational mission or campaign motivated by topical scientific or societal issues. Each group will be mentored by a domain expert to guide their exploration of available and emerging EO technologies, potential trade-offs in mission/campaign design, the availability of suitable forward and inverse models, etc. The required theoretical background will be provided through a combination of classroom lectures and digital learning. This approach allows students to acquire a broad foundation and deepen their knowledge of topics most relevant to their observational mission or campaign.

During the fieldwork, students will work in teams and receive a terms of reference document defined by a (virtual) client, with the aim of analyzing local to regional deformations and/or mass displacements due to various natural and/or human-induced causes. Students will need to design a fieldwork campaign accordingly; the design will be reviewed during the project planning review. In the second phase, students will collect data in the field and process both historical and newly acquired data. They will then analyze and interpret the data, present their findings, and provide recommendations for future work.

The ethical component of the module is in the form of a debate on topical propositions.