Earth Observation Systems (Elective)

Year: IV Semester: VIII

Objectives:

a) Introduction to observation and analysis of atmosphere, ocean and water resources and natural disasters in global scale
b) Observation data collection and analysis for the sustainable development of land resources system (air, water, soil and other economic recourses)

Course contents

1. Earth Observation (5 hrs)

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Groups on Earth observation
1.3 Vision, Mission
1.4 Earth observation and sustainable development
1.5 Need of Earth Observation

2. Agriculture and Food Security (4 hrs)

2.1 Food Security
2.2 Agriculture Production, Storage and Distribution
2.3 Current Issues
2.4 Challenges
2.5 Actions

3. Water and Sanitation (4 hrs)

3.1 Clean Water Sources
3.2 Drinking Water and Distribution
3.3 Urban Drainage System
3.4 Water for Irrigation and Other Purposes
3.5 UNICEF and WASH Program
3.6 Role of EOS and Challenges

4. Ocean Observation (8 hrs)

4.1 Ocean as Heat Engine of Earth
4.2 Ocean Dynamics, Life of Ocean and Life in Ocean
4.3 Ocean and Climate Change
4.4 Water Cycle, El Nino and La Nina Effects
4.5 Need of Ocean Observation
4.6 Groups Working on Ocean Observation

5. Ecosystem and Biodiversity (6 hrs)

5.1 Components of Ecosystem and Biodiversity
5.2 Development Projects and Their Effects
5.3 Physical and Chemical Change
5.4 Hot Spots Identification
5.5 Conflict Between Human and Wildlife
5.6 Balancing Ecosystem and Biodiversity
5.7 Effectiveness and Challenges

6. Energy (6 hrs)

6.1 Need of Earth Observation
6.2 Renewable Energy Production and Distribution
6.3 Climate Resilient Energy Production
6.4 Hydroelectricity, Threats and Mitigation
6.5 Forest Fire, Coal Fire Issues
6.6 EOS for Energy management

7. Natural Disaster Management (8 hrs)

7.1 Prediction and Evaluation of Hazards
7.2 Pre Disaster: Precaution and Preparedness
7.3 Post Disaster: Rescue and Rehabilitation
7.4 Role of Satellite Remote Sensing in Tsunami, Flood, Land Slide, Forest Fire etc
7.5 Early Warning System

8. Atmosphere and Health Issues (6 hrs)

8.1 Temperature, CO2 Cycle, Carbon estimation
8.2 Air Quality and Respiratory Health
8.3 Infectious Disease
8.4 Health Care Infrastructure
8.5 Cross Cutting Issues, Vulnerable Population
8.6 Data Integration

Recommended Reading and Reference Books

1. Compressive sensing for Earth observation, C.H. Edited by Chen, 2017
2. Earth observation Hand Book, CEOS, series, 1997-2023

Examination scheme

Model Questions

Very short questions 4x2=8

1. List the groups working on Earth observation
2. List the challenges related to clean water sources
3. Define El Nino and La Nina effects
4. List the issues related to atmosphere and respiratory health

Short questions 8x4=32

1. Explain the role of Earth observation in sustainable development
2. How can you use Earth observation products to maintain the food security
3. How can you use the satellite remote sensing system to manage urban sanitation
4. Why ocean is called heat engine of Earth?
5. Explain the effects of development projects in ecosystem
6. How can you use Earth observation products in coal fire?
7. Explain the role of remote sensing technology in prediction and evaluation of natural hazards
8. Can you directly monitor health related issues from satellite system, explain

Long questions 10x2=20

1. Explain, how can you use Earth observation technology for the prediction of agricultural products and its distribution
   OR
   Explain, Satellite remote sensing is very effective tool to maintain ecosystem and bio diversity
2. How can you use Earth observation technology in pre disaster and post disaster activities