Spectral Module
The “Spectral Module” is available to use at two different levels: “Introductory” and “Advanced”. One or the other of the two levels should be taught. The Introductory level is not prerequisite for the more Advanced level.
The Introductory version is designed as an overview that requires 4-5 class periods to cover most or all of the materials present. The emphasis is to introduce students to remote sensing and the concepts related to how information about the Earth is acquired using this important technique. Although relatively short and not covered fully in some ways, the Introductory version provides a good overview of what remote sensing is, how its data are interpreted, and how remotely sensed data can be applied to Earth problems. There are three units in the Introductory level that collectively address topics, within a context that includes questions, answers, exercises and activities, such as:
- Student computer display of single band and color composite satellite, and ground based digital images using MultiSpec software
- Introduction to principles of light interactions with Earth features (spectral signatures of features)
- Introduction to visual image interpretation of Earth features using spectral analysis
- Introduction to visual image interpretation of Earth features using texture analysis
- Introduction to Earth feature classification principles using a cluster approach
- Student hands-on computer-aided classification of Earth features using a cluster approach
The Advanced version of the “Spectral Module” is comprised of eight distinct units that if fully addressed will require the equivalent of 30 or more class periods to complete. However, devoting as few as 15 class periods in the Advanced unit will provide good insights into more comprehensive remote sensing and its applications. The Advanced version of the “Spectral Module” addresses the topics found in the introductory level discussed above, but in greater depth and requires more use of hands-on computer and visual interpretation. In addition to the topics identified in the Introductory level, topics such as those indicated below are discussed in depth in the Advanced level.
- Advanced study of light interactions with Earth features
- Comprehensive unsupervised classification of Earth features
- Comprehensive supervised classification of Earth features
- Advanced remote sensing classification using supportive integrated information/data
- Methods, data, and suggestions for conducting remote sensing-based student research for: class projects, science fair projects, and local/community projects are presented