VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

102-0617-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Basics and Principles of Radar Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Irena Hajnsek
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:51

Abstract

The course will provide the basics and principles of Radar Remote Sensing (specifically Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)) and its imaging techniques for the use of environmental parameter estimation.

Objective

The course should provide an understanding of SAR techniques and the use of the imaging tools for bio/geophysical parameter estimation. At the end of the course the student has the understanding of 1. SAR basics and principles, 2. SAR polarimetry, 3. SAR interferometry and 4. environmental parameter estimation from multi-parametric SAR data

Content

The course is giving an introduction into SAR techniques, the interpretation of SAR imaging responses and the use of SAR for different environmental applications. The outline of the course is the following: 1. Introduction into SAR basics and principles 2. Introduction into electromagnetic wave theory 3. Introduction into scattering theory and decomposition techniques 4. Introduction into SAR interferometry 5. Introduction into polarimetric SAR interferometry 6. Introduction into bio/geophysical parameter estimation (classification/segmentation, soil moisture estimation, earth quake and volcano monitoring, forest height inversion, wood biomass estimation etc.)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts for each topic will be provided

Literature

First readings for the course: Woodhouse, I. H., Introduction into Microwave Remote Sensing, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2006. Lee, J.-S., Pottier, E., Polarimetric Radar Imaging: From Basics to Applications, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. Complete literature listing will be provided during the course.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
A simple pocket calculator can be used (without programming possibilities).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Basics and Principles of Radar Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications
  • Wed 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Environmental Engineering Master
    • Elective Modules (For all majors.)
      • EM: Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (Elective Module for Majors "Environmental Technologies", "Resource Management", "River and Hydraulic Engineering", "Urban Water Management" and "Water Resources Management". Remark: Students also taking module "Remote Sensing and Earth Observation" as replacement of 102-0617-01L Methodologies for Image Processing of Remote Sensing Data in module "Landscape" have to chose one out following list: 1. 701-0104-00L Statistical Modelling of Spatial Data (FS) oder 2. 701-1674-00L Spatial Analysis, Modelling and Optimisation (FS) oder 3. 701-1644-00L Mountain Forest Hydrology (HS).)
  • Geomatic Engineering Master
  • MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )