After successful completion of the course, students are able to describe in generic terms how Earth observation data are acquired, processed and used. Furthermore, starting from the awareness of past technological breakthroughs and pressing social and enviornmental problems of the 21th century, they can put the rapid developments in the field of Earth observation into the context of larger trends (Big Data, Cloud Computing, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, etc.).

• Earth observation for the 21st century
• Physical basics
• Historical developments
• Sensor systems
• Data processing
• Applications
• Outlook

The lecture follows the available script, which together with the handouts is also suitable for self study. The following teaching methods are used:

• On-line lectures with slides and interactive questions
• TUWEL quizzes to recap self study material

The performance of the students is assessed via an on-line multiple choice test.

Students should bring along an interest in geosciences and technology