SAR and InSAR Remote Sensing

This course is suitable for geospatial data scientists, geographical information systems (GIS) specialists, engineers, consultants, public servants, and business development managers who are interested in exploring how SAR and InSAR satellite technologies such as SAR/InSAR could be utilised to offer new insights relevant to their domain. This course is also suitable for recent graduates in areas such as physics, space science, earth science, geography, environmental science, engineering, etc., who wish to enhance their knowledge of SAR remote sensing.

On completion of the module, you will have learned:

1. Fundamentals of satellite-based radar systems and their use in earth sciences;
2. Where to find, and how to access, sources of SAR images in offline and online repositories;
3. Technical and digital skills in workflows required to process SAR and InSAR data;
4. Advanced SAR/InSAR applications such as time-series;
5. How to read and interpret SAR and InSAR products to quantify geohazards and soil characteristics, according to noise;
6. How to integrate SAR/InSAR images with other geospatial and geo-scientific data sets (e.g., in-situ measurements, other satellite data, etc); 
7. How to synthesise, illustrate and present various lines of remote sensing data by using Geographical Information System software.

• SAR fundamentals: working principles, radar equation, resolutions, waveforms, electromagnetic radiation. 
• SAR processing: imaging algorithms, filtering, correlation.
• SAR applications and time series: land-use mapping, offset tracking, change detection, polarisation. 
• InSAR fundamentals: working principle, phase components, corrections, unwrapping, ground surface displacements, topography computation, InSAR coherence. 
• InSAR processing: interferogram computations. 
• InSAR time series analysis: Persistent Scatterers, Small-Baselines Subset. 
• InSAR applications: vertical and horizontal displacements, combination with other remote sensing methods
• SAR/InSAR in practice: software/tools and algorithms, available imagery (open-source and proprietary) and and precomputed data (STAC, APIs), definition of workflows, via several examples (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruption, wildfire, flooding, land-use changes, maritime monitoring, geotechnical engineering, etc)

Teaching and learning on this module comprise a set of lectures and practical exercises. After each lecture, the practicals will focus on an application of SAR/InSAR remote sensing (i.e., volcanic eruptions, landslides, vegetation mapping), so that learning will be guided by real applications and research topics carried out by the UCD School of Earth Sciences. This is a 5 ECTS module and involves approximately 100 hours of learner effort. 16 hours of lectures and 33 hours of practical classes (49 contact hours). Students are also expected to commit approximately. 51 hours to completing practical exercises and independent work outside of scheduled classes.

A 2.1 honours or international equivalent in a primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in any area of physics sciences, geomatic, Earth sciences, geography, (or related fields) is normally required. In certain cases, alternative qualifications may be accepted, depending on the individual's background, relevant experience and availability of places. Applicants should also have a basic level of programming skills, preferably in Python.

For non-native speakers, an English language requirement must be met via an IELTS score of 6.5, unless the primary degree was conducted through English. 

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• Independent project [60%]
• Interview [40 %]

Space Industry Skillnet Funding

Space Industry Skillnet, an organisation dedicated to fostering skills and expertise in the field of Space technology, is partnering with UCD micro-credentials to develop and support the course fee for eligible learners* on relevant, space-focused, micro-credentials.

How to access the funding:

Apply for one of the applicable micro-credentials through the UCD website.
Clearly indicate on your application that you are applying with the intention of receiving a subsidised place on the course through Space Industry Skillnet’s partnership and that you believe you are eligible for this funding.
If you are successful, you will receive an offer from UCD.
Once you have accepted your offer, and provided you meet the eligibility criteria*, you will make payment of the fees for the micro-credential fee directly to Space Industry Skillnet.
Once payment has been made, you can register and join your micro-credential.

*The eligibility criteria, as set out by the Space Industry Skillnet, are as follows:

Companies must be private enterprises based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or publicly funded organisations, such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible, providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

Eligibility for Trainees:
Key requirements regarding trainee eligibility:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise.
Space Industry Skillnet is required to collect data on the profile of trainees supported and record this data for Skillnet Ireland.
 

Visit the Space Industry Skillnet website page regarding the Micro Credential course details. (opens in a new window)www.spaceindustryskillnet.com

Written feedback will be provided on the assignment.

This module may be considered as prior learning for the MSc Space Science & Technology [F060]

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.