VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Basics and Principles of Radar Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:27
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
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Basics and Principles of Radar Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
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: -701-1241-00L Atmospheric Remote Sensing (HS, 3 KP) -701-1232-00L Radiation and Climate Change (FS, 3 KP) -701-1644-00L Mountain Hydrology (HS, 5KP).)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
-
-
Deep Track Earth Observation (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
-
-
-