Earth Observation: Principles and Applications

This lecture introduces the fundamental concepts of Earth observation, focusing on satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies. The instructor discusses the history of Earth observation, starting from early aerial photography to modern satellite systems. Key topics include the types of sensors used, such as optical and radar, and their applications in various fields like agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. The lecture emphasizes the importance of spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolutions in satellite imagery. The instructor also highlights the significance of time series data for monitoring changes on Earth's surface. Practical applications of Earth observation data, including vegetation indices like NDVI, are explored to demonstrate how these technologies can be utilized for environmental monitoring and analysis. The session concludes with an introduction to Google Earth Engine, a platform for processing and analyzing satellite data, which will be used in upcoming projects. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of Earth observation techniques and their relevance in contemporary research and applications.