GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro from edX

Image analysis is the extraction of meaningful information from an image to accomplish a simple task like understanding the landscape or to solve a complex problem like face recognition.

This course is focused on image analysis and applications in the area of natural resource management, geography, geology, and environmental studies. Participants will use a variety of remotely sensed data including high resolution aerial photo, Landsat and Terra MODIS satellite data to solve specific problems.

Learners in this course will learn fundamentals of remote sensing, image processing and image analysis. Learn image analysis in Esri ArcGIS Pro through hands-on exercises including image display, image interpretation, change detection using spectral indices, supervised and unsupervised image classification for land cover mapping, and effect of arctic warming on vegetation productivity.

The course features lessons covering GIS image analysis applications on real-world problems.

Verified track learners will receive one-year ArcGIS Pro Desktop (Windows) license with support only for tools used in the course in addition to unlimited course access and a verified certificate.

Sign up for this online course or full GIS Essentials certificate today to expand your skillset in geographic information systems.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Access open source satellite image and data products for any part of the world
Perform image analysis using raster functions and raster geoprocessing tools in arcgis pro software efficiently
Use appropriate image bands for feature visualization and image interpretation

Use spectral indices to assess vegetation health, wildfire burnscars, and lake change
Use unsupervised and supervised classification algorithms to create land cover maps
Create publication quality charts using data from an attribute table for communicating image analysis results

Access open source satellite image and data products for any part of the world
Perform image analysis using raster functions and raster geoprocessing tools in arcgis pro software efficiently
Use appropriate image bands for feature visualization and image interpretation
Use spectral indices to assess vegetation health, wildfire burnscars, and lake change
Use unsupervised and supervised classification algorithms to create land cover maps
Create publication quality charts using data from an attribute table for communicating image analysis results

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Remote Sensing and Image Analysis

Remote sensing and the evolution of remote sensing

Electromagnetic radiation and atmospheric windows

Remote sensing processes and types

Images and image resolutions

Geographic and projected coordinate systems

Remote sensing: advantages and challenges

Week 2: Introduction to ArcGIS Pro, Spectral Indices and Image Interpretation

Introduction to ArcGIS Pro, Geoprocessing tools, and ArcGIS best practices

Fundamentals of image interpretation and feature visualization

Spectral indices and their applications:

NDVI (for vegetation health)

Band ratio (for cloud mask)

NBR (for mapping wildfire burn scars)

NDWI (for mapping surface water)

Week 3: Image Classification

Introduction to image classification

Image classifiers (supervised vs unsupervised)

Land cover mapping in ArcGIS Pro

Fieldwork for image classification accuracy assessment

Week 4: Image Analysis Applications

Search and download image data from the USGS EarthExplorer site

Lake change analysis using Landsat data

Arctic greening: effect of arctic warming on vegetation productivity

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in the use of ArcGIS Pro, which is industry-standard software for image analysis

Teaches image classification algorithms, including supervised and unsupervised techniques, which are essential for land cover mapping

Examines the use of spectral indices, which are important for assessing vegetation health and other environmental variables

Provides hands-on exercises using real-world problems, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in practical contexts

Offers learners a one-year ArcGIS Pro Desktop license, which is valuable for practicing and applying the skills learned in the course

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds in image analysis

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro with these activities:

Review Remote Sensing Processes

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Review the fundamental principles of remote sensing to enhance your understanding of the course materials.

Browse courses on Electromagnetic Radiation

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Read introductory chapters on remote sensing textbooks
Summarize key concepts in your own words
Review online resources and articles on remote sensing principles

Guided Practice with Image Processing Tools

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Delve deeper into the course materials by exploring guided tutorials on ArcGIS Pro's image processing tools.

Browse courses on ArcGIS Pro

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Find tutorials on ArcGIS Pro's image processing capabilities
Follow the steps in the tutorials to perform image processing tasks
Experiment with different parameters and explore the effects on image analysis

Image Interpretation Drills

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Enhance your ability to interpret images by engaging in repetitive exercises that focus on identifying and understanding features.

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Obtain high-resolution images from various sources
Practice identifying different landforms, vegetation types, and water bodies
Use spectral indices to highlight specific features of interest

Four other activities

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Collaborative Image Analysis

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Form study groups with peers to discuss image analysis techniques, share insights, and improve your understanding.

Browse courses on Image Classification

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Form study groups with 2-3 classmates
Select an image dataset to analyze
Work together to classify the image, assess accuracy, and interpret the results

Attend a GIS Workshop

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Expand your knowledge and skills by attending a workshop that focuses on GIS applications in natural resource management or environmental studies.

Browse courses on Image Analysis

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Research and identify relevant GIS workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in the activities and discussions

Land Cover Map Presentation

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Showcase your image analysis skills by creating a professional-quality presentation that communicates the results of your land cover mapping project.

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Use GIS software to create a land cover map
Extract data from the map and analyze the results
Design a presentation that effectively communicates the findings

Contribute to QGIS Project

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Gain hands-on experience with GIS software by contributing to open-source projects like QGIS, which can enhance your understanding of image analysis.

Browse courses on GIS

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Familiarize yourself with QGIS and its development process
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug reporting or feature enhancements
Submit your contributions to the QGIS community

Career center

Learners who complete GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote Sensing Analysts use satellite imagery and other remote sensing data to study the Earth's surface. They use remote sensing to identify and map features such as land cover, water resources, and natural hazards. Remote Sensing Analysts often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for Remote Sensing Analysts who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in remote sensing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Analyst

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural features. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the distribution and interaction of human and natural systems. Geographers often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Geographers who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in geography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's crust and its history. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the Earth's structure, composition, and history. Geologists often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for Geologists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in geology.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

GIS Analysts use GIS software to create and analyze maps and other geographic data. They use GIS to solve a variety of problems, such as planning land use, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters. GIS Analysts often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for GIS Analysts who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in GIS.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the oceans. Oceanographers often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Oceanographers who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in oceanography.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers manage natural resources such as forests, water, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans to protect and sustain natural resources for future generations. Natural Resource Managers often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for Natural Resource Managers who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in natural resource management.

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Land Surveyor

Land Surveyors measure and map the Earth's surface. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to create accurate maps of land parcels, roads, and other features. Land Surveyors often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Land Surveyors who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in land surveying.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study wildlife populations and their habitats. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the distribution, abundance, and behavior of wildlife. Wildlife Biologists often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Wildlife Biologists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in wildlife biology.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study water resources. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the distribution, movement, and quality of water. Hydrologists often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Hydrologists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in hydrology.

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Climatologist

Climatologists study climate. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the long-term changes in the Earth's climate. Climatologists often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Climatologists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in climatology.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere. They use a variety of techniques, including image analysis, to understand the weather and climate. Meteorologists often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Meteorologists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in meteorology.

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Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They use a variety of software and techniques to create maps that are both accurate and visually appealing. Cartographers often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for Cartographers who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in cartography.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. Many Environmental Scientists work for government agencies, but others also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. Environmental Scientists often specialize in a particular area of study, such as air quality, water quality, or land use. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in environmental studies.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community groups, to develop plans that are both environmentally sustainable and economically feasible. This course may be useful for Environmental Planners who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in environmental planning.

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Forestry Technician

Forestry Technicians assist Foresters in managing forests. They collect data on trees, soil, and other forest resources. They also help Foresters to plan and implement forest management activities. Forestry Technicians often work for government agencies, but they also work for private companies and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Forestry Technicians who want to learn more about image analysis and its applications in forestry.

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