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651-4278-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-PHYS

Monitoring the Earth with Radars from Satellites

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Andrea Manconi

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22

Abstract

The course focuses on space-borne radar applications tailored to geosciences. Students will develop independently projects on real case-studies by leveraging open source data and software. Students' performance will be assessed by lecturers, peers and an external committee during a mini-conference.

Objective

The course aims at providing the tools to fully take advantage of space-borne radar data in geoscience applications. The course will offer the chance to learn a cutting-edge remote sensing technique and to independently apply the methods to real scenarios relevant for their future activities as scientists and/or practitioners. Learning objectives: (LO_1) Understand the main principles of space-borne SAR and its use in geosciences applications; (LO_2) Identify the proper SAR data source (e.g., sensor, wavelength, viewing geometry, revisit time) depending on the target under investigation; (LO_3) Select and apply appropriate algorithms to space-borne SAR data depending on the target under investigation; (LO_4) Analyze and interpret results obtained from space-borne SAR; (LO_5) Combine and interpret results obtained from space-borne SAR with other sources of information; (LO_6) Design and perform a field validation of space-borne SAR results; (LO_7) Design a monitoring strategy by integrating space-borne SAR data with other techniques; (LO_8) Prepare a project by autonomously applying space-borne SAR on a real case study.

Content

The activities of the course will show how to properly select and obtain radar datasets, process them according to the state-of-art algorithms, interpret the results, evaluate pros and cons on specific geological targets, and integrate the analysis of radar data with other survey and monitoring approaches.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Oral presentation of project activities

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Monitoring the Earth with Radars from Satellites Block course is from 07.09 to 11.09.2026	07.09. - 11.09 Date 08:15-17:00 (NO C 6)	35 h semesterly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geology
  - Open Choice Modules Geology
    - Remote Sensing (The courses of this module are offered by UZH and must be registered at UZH.)
      - Remote Sensing: Courses of Choice
    - Geographic Information Systems (The courses of this module are offered by UZH and must be registered at UZH.)
      - Geographic Information Systems: Courses of Choice (The courses of choice may be chosen from the offerings of the department of Geography UZH according to prior approval by the lecturers of the GIS-group of UZH.)
- Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Earth Observation
    - Deep Track Earth Observation (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)