AlaskaX: Synthetic Aperture Radar: Ecosystems

This online course will introduce the contributions of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing to the monitoring of Earth’s ecosystems. Learn how the weather-independence of SAR combined with its ability to penetrate into vegetation canopies make SAR an excellent information source to characterize vegetation structure, measure above-ground biomass, and analyze the change of vegetation long term and throughout the seasons.

SAR for Ecosystem Monitoring

An Intermediate-Level Course by AlaskaX

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with this intermediate-level course offered by AlaskaX. This comprehensive program will introduce you to the cutting-edge remote sensing technology that has revolutionized our ability to observe and monitor Earth's ecosystems. SAR's unique capability to penetrate clouds, smoke, and darkness makes it an invaluable tool for scientists and researchers studying vegetation structure, above-ground biomass, and long-term environmental changes.

What Students Will Learn

Fundamental concepts and principles of SAR and polarimetric SAR
Techniques for accessing, visualizing, and interpreting SAR data and imagery
Application of SAR in monitoring forest degradation and deforestation
Methods for estimating forest biomass using SAR earth observation
Utilization of SAR in monitoring agricultural extent
Hands-on experience with SAR time series data sets from spaceborne SAR missions
Practical skills in using Jupyter Notebooks for SAR data analysis (verified track only)

Prerequisites

General proficiency in GIS
Basic knowledge of Python programming (for verified track)
Completion of ARSET Level-0 Training "Fundamentals of Remote Sensing" or equivalent
Completion of ARSET Level-1 Training "Introduction to Synthetic Aperture Radar" or equivalent

Course Coverage

SAR and polarimetric SAR concepts and principles
SAR data access, visualization, and image interpretation
SAR applications in ecosystem monitoring
Forest degradation and deforestation monitoring using SAR
Forest biomass estimation techniques
Agricultural extent monitoring with SAR
Hands-on exercises using real-world SAR time series data
Introduction to Google Earth Engine
SAR processing steps and algorithms for biomass estimation

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for earth science professionals, environmental researchers, GIS specialists, remote sensing enthusiasts, and students pursuing careers in ecosystem monitoring and management. It's designed for individuals with intermediate-level knowledge in remote sensing and GIS who want to expand their skills in SAR technology and its applications in ecosystem science.

Real-World Applications

Environmental monitoring and conservation efforts
Forest management and deforestation prevention
Agricultural planning and crop yield estimation
Climate change impact assessment
Natural disaster response and management
Urban planning and land use analysis
Ecosystem health assessment and biodiversity conservation
Collaboration with space agencies and research institutions on earth observation projects

Syllabus

Week 1: Contribution of SAR to Monitoring forests

Introduction to SAR course learning community
Overview of basic principles of imaging radar
Polarimetric radar for ecosystem applications
SAR's contribution to forest monitoring

Week 2: SAR for Agriculture Monitoring

Radar backscatter from crops
SAR signatures of selected crops
Optimal sensor wavelength selection
Mapping crop area extent using SAR

Week 3: Forest Degradation / Deforestation using SAR remote sensing

Forest degradation and deforestation concepts
Forest change examples
Introduction to Google Earth Engine
Lab: Mapping Deforestation (open to audit track)
Lab: SAR Point Time Series Over Deforestation Sites (verified track only)

Week 4: Biomass estimation using SAR

SAR-based biomass estimation techniques
SAR processing steps for biomass estimation
SAR biomass estimation algorithms

This course, produced by the Alaska Satellite Facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in SAR technology and its applications in ecosystem monitoring. With its focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, learners will be well-equipped to contribute to cutting-edge research and real-world projects in environmental science and remote sensing.