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Sensing Planet Earth – From Core to Outer Space

Thomas Hobiger, Donal Murtagh, Maciej Soja, Karine Le Bail, Bo Galle, Rüdiger Haas, Johan Mellqvist, and Peter Forkman

In this course, we will take you on a virtual journey covering different Earth observation tools. In the course modules, we cover the most essential measurement tools for solid Earth, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. Our experts will give you first-hand insights why, where, and how those techniques are applied and they will show you how sensors work in space, on aircrafts, and on the ground.

Read more

In this course, we will take you on a virtual journey covering different Earth observation tools. In the course modules, we cover the most essential measurement tools for solid Earth, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. Our experts will give you first-hand insights why, where, and how those techniques are applied and they will show you how sensors work in space, on aircrafts, and on the ground.

You will be given insights on how you can use data from various sensors to better understand our living planet and how it changes. Together with your fellow learners all over the world, you will conduct joined experiments that demonstrate, how easy it is to sense the Earth’s environment. On top of that, world-renowned experts will be interviewed - telling you why they think it is so important that we study our planet.

Join us and let’s sense planet Earth together!

NOTE: This online course content has been updated in 2022.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How we measure solid earth, atmosphere and biosphere
  • How to judge the quality and reliability of earth observations
  • How to compare measurement tools
  • How we apply earth observations to better understand our planet

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops understanding of how earth observation sensors work in space, on aircrafts, and on the ground, which is foundational for future work in disciplines related to earth observation sensor development
Examines how earth observations are used to analyze environmental issues, which is highly relevant for students working in environmental sciences
Introduces various earth observation tools, such as satellites, aircrafts, and ground-based sensors, which is useful for researchers and practitioners working with these tools
Provides insights on how to use data from various sensors to better understand our living planet, which is essential for students in environmental sciences
Emphasizes hands-on learning through experiments and demonstrations, which is effective for students who prefer practical approaches to learning
Interdisciplinary course that covers solid Earth, atmosphere, and biosphere, which is beneficial for students interested in a broad understanding of earth observation

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive earth observation overview

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview of sensing Planet Earth, covering various observation tools for solid earth, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students appreciate the expert insights and how the course demonstrates the practical application of earth observation data. The content is seen as engaging, with features like joined experiments and expert interviews adding significant value. While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some learners might find certain technical aspects challenging without a foundational science background.
Experiments and interviews
"The joined experiments were a fun way to learn."
"I enjoyed the mix of lectures, experiments, and interviews."
"The course felt very interactive and engaging."
Learn from real experts
"Hearing directly from experts was a highlight for me."
"The interviews added a lot of real-world context."
"It's great to learn from people working in the field."
Applying observation data
"The course showed me how to use observation data effectively."
"I liked seeing examples of data application."
"Understanding how to use the data is really valuable."
Covers Earth observation tools
"I got a broad understanding of how we sense different parts of the Earth."
"The course covered solid Earth, atmosphere, and biosphere observations well."
"It felt like a good introduction to the many ways we observe the planet."
May need science background
"Some parts might be challenging without a science background."
"Having some prior knowledge of physics or geography helps."
"Beginners might need to do extra reading on foundational concepts."

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 Sensing Planet Earth – From Core to Outer Space with these activities:
Review background material from students' introductory Earth Science textbooks
Reviews concepts like the nature of science and scientific thinking, tools used to study Earth, Earth's place in the solar system, physical and chemical building blocks of the Earth system, and plate tectonics.
View Earth on Amazon
Show steps
  • Review Ch. 1: Science and the Earth
  • Review Ch. 2: Tools of the Earth Scientist
  • Review Ch. 3: Earth's Place in Space
  • Review Ch. 4: Earth Materials
  • Review Ch. 9: Plate Tectonics
Join the Earth Observation Discord Server
Joining the Earth Observation discord server will connect you to a community of experts and enthusiasts in the field.
Browse courses on Earth Observation
Show steps
  • Create a Discord account if you don't have one already
  • Join the Earth Observation Discord Server: https://discord.gg/earthobservation
  • Introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have
Take practice quizzes on individual measurement techniques
Provides an opportunity to test one's understanding of the technical details of various measurement techniques.
Browse courses on Remote Sensing
Show steps
  • Go through the course modules
  • For each technique, answer the corresponding quiz
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a glossary of terms
Having a glossary of terms related to Earth Observation techniques can be very useful for reviewing the course material.
Show steps
  • Go through the course materials
  • Identify important technical terms
  • Add each term to a spreadsheet or document along with its definition
Create a blog post about a specific Earth observation technique
Creating a blog post requires students to synthesize their understanding of a particular technique and explain it to a broader audience.
Browse courses on Earth Observation
Show steps
  • Choose an Earth Observation technique
  • Research the technique in more detail
  • Write a blog post explaining the technique, its applications, and its limitations
  • Publish your blog post online
Participate in the Earth Observation Hackathon
Participating in a hackathon allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
Browse courses on Earth Observation
Show steps
  • Find a team or work individually
  • Register for the Earth Observation Hackathon
  • Develop a solution to the hackathon challenge
  • Submit your solution

Career center

Learners who complete Sensing Planet Earth – From Core to Outer Space will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, such as its shape, structure, and composition. They use various tools and techniques, including those covered in the course Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, to gather and analyze data about the Earth's systems. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Geophysicist by providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist
Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere, including its composition, structure, and dynamics. They use various tools and techniques, including those covered in the course Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, to gather and analyze data about the atmosphere. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Atmospheric Scientist by providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in studying the atmosphere.
See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the Earth's oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. They use various tools and techniques, including those covered in the course Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, to gather and analyze data about ocean systems. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Oceanographer by providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in studying ocean systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. They use various tools and techniques, including those covered in the course Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, to gather and analyze data about water systems. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Hydrologist by providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in studying water systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study earth systems and the human impacts on them. They analyze data to make recommendations and create policies to minimize negative impacts on the environment. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space can provide the foundational knowledge needed to work as an Environmental Scientist, as it covers the measurement of various planetary systems, including solid earth, the atmosphere, and the biosphere.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various fields, including Earth sciences. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a solid foundation in data analysis techniques and their applications in Earth sciences, which can be valuable for Data Scientists working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Remote Sensing Specialist
Remote Sensing Specialists use satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data to study the Earth's surface. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in remote sensing, which can be valuable for Remote Sensing Specialists working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Specialist
Cartographer
Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in cartography, which can be valuable for Cartographers working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and waste management. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in environmental monitoring and assessment, which can be valuable for Environmental Engineers working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's structure, composition, and history. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in geology, which can be valuable for Geologists working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on environmental issues, including the assessment and mitigation of environmental impacts. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in environmental assessment, which can be valuable for Environmental Consultants working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in environmental monitoring and assessment, which can be valuable for Sustainability Managers working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers plan, design, and implement renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in assessing renewable energy resources and siting renewable energy projects, which can be valuable for Renewable Energy Project Developers working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the causes and impacts of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to its effects. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in climate change monitoring and assessment, which can be valuable for Climate Change Analysts working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
Geospatial Analyst
Geospatial Analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize spatial data. The course, Sensing Planet Earth: From Core to Outer Space, can provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth observation techniques and their applications in geospatial analysis, which can be valuable for Geospatial Analysts working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sensing Planet Earth – From Core to Outer Space.
Cover image
Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth...
Save
This widely used text introduces the science of remote sensing using an Earth resource perspective. It synthesizes the theoretical and practical elements of remote sensing while most texts focus only on sensors and technology.
Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth...
Paperback
Check
Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Introductory Digital Image Processing
Save
Comprehensive introduction to remote sensing, covering thebasics of the technology, its applications, and the interpretation of remote sensing data. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of remote sensing.
Introductory Digital Image Processing
Paperback
Check
Introductory Digital Image Processing
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Religious Responses to Earthquake and Volcanic...
Save
This textbook focuses on the use of remote sensing for environmental monitoring. It great resource for learning about how remote sensing is used to study the environment.
Religious Responses to Earthquake and Volcanic...
Hardcover
$$$$
Religious Responses to Earthquake and Volcanic...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the remote sensing of land surfaces for environmental monitoring. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about this topic.
Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An...
Paperback
$$$
Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing
Hardcover
$$$
Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An...
Paperback
$$$
Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable...
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of lidar remote sensing of the atmosphere. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about this technique and its applications.
Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable...
Hardcover
$$$$
Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the microwave remote sensing of sea ice. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about this topic.
Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
Save
This textbook provides an in-depth overview of the fundamentals of remote sensing. It covers a wide range of topics, including image processing, data analysis, and applications in environmental monitoring, land use planning, and disaster management.
Fundamentals Of Remote Sensing
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of remote sensing and how they are used in practice. It combines theoretical foundations with practical applications.
Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather,...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of meteorology. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of meteorology.
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather,...
Paperback
Check
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather,...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Chalmers University of Technology
Instructors
Thomas Hobiger
Donal Murtagh
Maciej Soja
Karine Le Bail
Bo Galle
Rüdiger Haas
Johan Mellqvist
Peter Forkman
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops understanding of how earth observation sensors work in space, on aircrafts, and on the ground, which is foundational for future work in disciplines related to earth observation sensor development
Examines how earth observations are used to analyze environmental issues, which is highly relevant for students working in environmental sciences
Introduces various earth observation tools, such as satellites, aircrafts, and ground-based sensors, which is useful for researchers and practitioners working with these tools
Provides insights on how to use data from various sensors to better understand our living planet, which is essential for students in environmental sciences
Emphasizes hands-on learning through experiments and demonstrations, which is effective for students who prefer practical approaches to learning
Interdisciplinary course that covers solid Earth, atmosphere, and biosphere, which is beneficial for students interested in a broad understanding of earth observation
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