Remote Sensing Image Processing with Open Source Software
Students will acquire theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in fundamental principles, techniques, and applications of remote sensing. They will gain hands-on experience in digital image processing, analysis, and information extraction using the open-source GIS software QGIS installed on their own laptops. Additionally, students will develop skills in automating remote sensing workflows through Python scripting within the Copernicus cloud processing environment.
About the course
Content
The course introduces the theory of remote sensing image processing and applications of remote sensing workflows implemented in Python. Remote sensing data mainly from the satellite sensor Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 are used to develop analysis workflows for forestry and environmental monitoring applications. Common steps and methods of remote sensing analysis such as preprocessing, image enhancement, sampling of reference data, automated classification, change detection and map validation are presented. In the practical labs students learn how to use Python for cloud-based remote sensing.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of electromagnetic radiation and describe its interactions with the atmosphere.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic techniques related to remote sensing image acquisition, pre-processing, enhancement, and classification.
- Gain a basic understanding of the QGIS software environment.
- Understand, manipulate and execute Python scripts to automate and support remote sensing data processing workflows.
- Evaluate and interpret the quality of remote sensing products by performing accuracy assessments and validation analyses.
Teaching method(s)
synchronous online lecture with practical group work
Assessment method(s)
Form of assessment: E-Exam of 90 min duration
Timing for assessment: probably at the end of February
Calculation of the examination mark: The course will be passed with 50% of the total points.
Lecturers
Dr. Nils Nölke (University of Göttingen)
Course dates
The course takes place during the lecture period from 26. October 2026 until 12. February 2027. The course combines self-learning phases and a number of weekly virtual meetings.
How to register?
Entry requirements: None
Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students who meet the requirements mentioned above apply directly to the host university through Application link. Before applying, students should check with their home faculty or programme whether the course can be included in their curriculum and whether the credits will be recognised. Students from Ghent University must obtain faculty approval by completing this form and having it signed by the Faculty Student Administration.
The host university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible following the application deadline. Students can expect to receive notification of their enrollment status approximately five business days after the registration period concludes. Selection of course participants will be based on available course capacities. Selection will refer to a “first come first serve” principle across partner universities, i. e. the first applications from each university will be selected to increase diversity in the course. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place in case of drop outs at a later stage but not later than the official beginning of the course.
Transcript of Records can be obtained approximately seven days after the final exam.
Contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information:
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at the University of Bern - University of Bordeaux:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIP's and virtual courses - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses) - University of Tartu:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIP’s and virtual courses - Uppsala University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at Uppsala University
Contact
Dr. Nils Nölke,