Synthetic Aperture Radar: Foundations from edX

Remote sensing observations from airborne and spaceborne platforms have become an essential tool in earth observation and earth sciences. They provide an immediate and large-area overview of the evolving earth environment, revealing important information on the state of ecosystems, unfolding natural hazards, enabling change detection of geodynamic phenomena such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and the cryosphere.

This course will introduce you to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a remote sensing technology that can see the earth surface even during darkness and through weather conditions such as rain, clouds, or smoke. As a participant in this course, you will gain an intuitive understanding of the information contained in SAR observations. You will learn about the concepts and applications of interferometric SAR and experience how SAR data acquired at different polarizations can reveal a wealth of information about the earth environment. Each SAR analysis concept will be illustrated with relevant applications. Specific topics include:

The mathematical and physical principles of SAR remote sensing
How to access and visualize SAR data
Interpretation of SAR images at different wavelengths and polarizations
Interferometric SAR (InSAR) concepts
The principles of Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR)
A summary of applications of InSAR and PolSAR in geoscience, hazard mapping, and ecosystem monitoring

Learners on the verified track will put their learned knowledge into action in data analysis and data processing exercises, in which class participants will analyze SAR data sets, generate and interpret interferometric SAR data, and explore the importance of polarization in earth observation. Learners who select the verified track will also have access to online computational labs and tutorials using Jupyter notebooks that will allow deeper exploration and practice.

This course is produced by the Alaska Satellite Facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which has been selected as the NASA data hub for the upcoming NISAR mission.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Intuitive understanding of sar image and phase information
Understanding the role of wavelength and signal polarization on sar image content
Use of interferometric sar techniques to measure cm-scale surface deformation.

Use polarimetric information to analyze ecosystem parameters
Select the right sensor wavelength and polarization for your application.
Participants in this course will develop the following skills:

Intuitive understanding of sar image and phase information
Understanding the role of wavelength and signal polarization on sar image content
Use of interferometric sar techniques to measure cm-scale surface deformation.
Use polarimetric information to analyze ecosystem parameters
Select the right sensor wavelength and polarization for your application.
Participants in this course will develop the following skills:

Syllabus

Week 1: Course Introduction and Basic Capabilities of SAR

Week 1 will introduce you to the main content and structure of this course. You will also learn about the lab environment that will be available for learners on the “verified track”. The following items will be addressed:

Introduction to the concept and upcoming lectures and exercises related to this course

Presentation of the course syllabus

Presentation of SAR data examples to familiarize students with the appearance and properties of SAR data

Week 2: Introduction to Synthetic Aperture Radar Remote Sensing

Week 2 will introduce the main concepts of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR imaging along with the properties and information content of SAR data). You will also learn about the lab environment that will be available for learners on the verified track. Specific topics will include:

Properties of microwaves

What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging

Geometric and radiometric properties of SAR

How SAR sees the world

Verified Track: Lab exercise on exploring SAR time series for flooding events

Week 3: Introduction to Interferometric SAR (InSAR)

Week 3 will introduce the concepts and applications of Interferometric SAR (InSAR) processing. InSAR uses the phase signal captured in SAR data to track subtle surface movements such as those related to seismic events and volcanic activity. Specifically, Week 3 will address the following items:

Concepts of Interferometric SAR processing and its main applications

InSAR for topographic mapping

InSAR for deformation monitoring

A glimpse into InSAR time series analysis techniques

Further reading

Verified Track: Lab exercise analyzing and interpreting InSAR products

Week 4: The Concepts and Applications of Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR)

InSAR time series analysis techniques enable the tracking of cm-scale surface displacements over long times. These techniques are relevant for a number of hazard applications such as landslide and volcano monitoring. In Week 4 we will address:

What is polarization and how do different polarizations "see"

Use polarization to generate color representations of SAR data

Polarimetric decompositions: Combining information at different polarizations to better understand the earth environment

Verified Track: Lab exercise generating forest degradation indices from dual-pol SAR data

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a world leader in SAR research

Suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge in remote sensing

Offers a solid grounding in SAR data analysis and processing techniques

Provides hands-on experience through lab exercises and data analysis assignments

Covers advanced concepts such as polarimetric SAR and InSAR for specialized applications

Suitable for students and professionals in geoscience, hazard mapping, and ecosystem monitoring

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Career center

Learners who complete Synthetic Aperture Radar: Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Remote Sensing Specialist

Remote Sensing Specialists gather data about the earth's surface using satellites and other advanced technology. This course, which offers an in-depth look at Synthetic Aperture Radar, would be a great addition to your resume and help you stay ahead in the field. Not only will you learn the mathematical and physical principles of SAR, but you will also gain experience accessing and visualizing SAR data and learn the art of interpretation at different wavelengths and polarizations. These are all useful skills for the modern Remote Sensing Specialist.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists research and study the environment to better understand its components and processes. Coupling this course on Synthetic Aperture Radar with a background in environmentalism will give you a concrete understanding of the technology used by many Environmental Scientists on the job. This course covers SAR data at different wavelengths and polarization. Additionally, it touches on ways to analyze ecosystem parameters and use that information in earth observation. Data gathered through SAR is vital to scientists in many fields, and as a result, taking this course may help you stand out from other applicants.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the earth and its atmosphere. They use various technologies to map the earth's structure and gather information on its resources. This course can be a great tool to help you develop the skills necessary to excel in this role. It covers interferometric techniques to measure cm-scale deformation, the principles of Polarimetric SAR, and a summary of applications of InSAR and PolSAR in geoscience. In addition, it will give you hands-on experience in data analysis and processing.

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GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use geographic information systems to analyze data and assist in decision-making processes. This course would help you develop necessary skills for the job and give you a leg up over other potential candidates. You will gain experience in accessing and visualizing SAR data, learn to analyze and interpret data at different wavelengths and polarizations, and even practice your skills in online computational labs and tutorials.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts take raw data and analyze it to derive meaningful insights. This course can give you hands-on experience with many of the tools and techniques used by Data Analysts on a day-to-day basis, making you a more effective employee and competitive candidate. You will learn data analysis and processing exercises, analyze SAR data sets, generate and interpret interferometric SAR data, and explore the importance of polarization in earth observation.

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Natural Hazards Researcher

Natural Hazards Researchers study the causes and impacts of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Many of the skills you will develop in this course, like analyzing SAR data, generating and interpreting interferometric SAR data, and understanding its importance in earth observation, will give you an advantage in the field. This course may help you stand out as a candidate and become a more effective Natural Hazards Researcher.

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Land Surveyor

Land Surveyors measure and map land. This course can help build a foundation in Synthetic Aperture Radar, used in the field. You will learn the mathematical and physical principles of SAR, including how to access and visualize SAR data. You will also gain experience interpreting data at different wavelengths and polarizations.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Synthetic Aperture Radar, giving you an edge over other applicants. You will learn about relevant applications in hazard mapping and ecosystem monitoring, helping you contribute to the field in unique ways.

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Cryospheric Scientist

Cryospheric Scientists study the earth's frozen regions, including glaciers, ice caps, and sea ice. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and charts. This course would give you a specialized skillset that could benefit employers. You will learn about the mathematical and physical principles of SAR remote sensing, including how to interpret SAR images at different wavelengths and polarizations. This knowledge could help you produce more accurate and informative maps and charts.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and predict the weather. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the earth's surface and underground. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Geologist

Geologists study the earth's physical structure and history. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Glaciologist

Glaciologists study glaciers and ice caps. This course may help you gain knowledge that can be useful in the field. Specifically, you will learn about the properties of microwaves and how SAR sees the world. This knowledge may give you an edge over candidates without this knowledge.

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Synthetic Aperture Radar

Foundations

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