Instrumentation, Remote Sensing and Big Data (2500220) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Learning Objectives

Satellite, aerial, terrestrial sensors. Punctual instrumentation vs. distributed detection. Point sensors in rivers and territory. Sensor networks. Weather networks. Statistical techniques for processing data series. Passive and Active Remote Sensing (Radar and others). Multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, combination of bands. Satellite missions of interest, Organizations / companies producing R.S. Relationship between TD and climate change. TD Applications in Environmental Engineering. Big Data. 1. Know the systems and methods of collecting environmental data: physical, chemical sensors, remote sensing. 2. Understand the concepts of passive and active remote sensing and know the main existing sensors, as well as the largest satellite missions interest. 3. Apply environmental data management tools: statistical techniques and visualization using GIS. Instrumentation, Remote Sensing and Big Data. Introduction to the systems and methods of collecting environmental data (atmosphere, inland, sewage and marine waters, soils): concept of active and passive remote sensing and description of the main satellite missions and other data collection systems. Study of the main statistical techniques for the treatment and management of the data series obtained.

Competencies

Especific

Solve mathematical problems that may arise in engineering by applying knowledge about: linear algebra, geometry, differential geometry, differential and integral calculus, optimization, ordinary differential equations.

Obtain basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and basic numerical calculation and applied to engineering.

Manage the basic concepts about the general laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, concept of field and heat transfer, and apply them to solve engineering problems.

Describe the global functioning of the planet: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, anthroposphere, biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S), soil morphology and apply it to problems related to geology, geotechnics, edaphology and climatology.

Describe and apply the techniques of analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters; Integrate the experimental evidence found in field and / or laboratory data with the theoretical knowledge and interpret its results.

Identify the fundamentals of structure theory, sustainable procedures for construction and dismantling of buildings and civil works; and describe the technology bases of the materials used in construction.

Apply the methodologies of studies and evaluations of environmental impact and, in general, of environmental technologies, sustainability and waste treatment and of the management of international standards of environmental quality. Life cycle analysis, carbon footprint and water footprint and assess natural hazards (river, coastal floods, droughts, fires, soil erosion and landslides).

Describe the components and modes of transport and the impact of their externalities on the environment; identify the principles of environmental management of transport systems and sustainable planning of the territory; and introduce the tools for the management and operation of transport systems.

Analyze, design, simulate and optimize processes and systems with environmental relevance, both natural and artificial, and their resolution techniques, as well as recognize techniques for analysis and evaluation of climate change.

Identify renewable energy generation techniques and energy transition concept.

Generic

Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.

Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.

To use in any action in the territory proven methods and accredited technologies, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency respect for the environment and the protection of the safety and health of workers and users.

Total hours of student work

		Hours	Percentage
Supervised Learning	Large group	45h	75.00 %
Supervised Learning	Laboratory classes	15h	25.00 %
Self Study		90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2.3 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2.3 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.2 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

This course is passed through Continuous Learning and Assessment (CLA). The Grading Method is summarized below. Additional details of the method will be provided on the first day of class. #The regular grade for the course is obtained from the continuous assessment grades, which consist of three types of marks: • Ne: exam grade. Two tests with a weight of 40% for the first and 60% for the second. • Nlab: laboratory grade, and • NTre: assignment grade The final grade (NF) for the course is calculated as: NF = 75% * Ne + 10% * Nlab + 15% * NTre The weight of each practice assignment will be detailed on the course's Atenea. Each practice assignment must be submitted within the indicated deadline; late submissions will not be accepted without justified cause and prior notice. # Grading criteria and admission to the re-evaluation: Students who fail the regular assessment, have regularly attended the course evaluation tests, and have sufficiently attended the practices (>80%), will have the option to take a re-evaluation test during the period set in the academic calendar. This test will evaluate both the theoretical part of the course and the practical part corresponding to the laboratories. Students who have already passed the course or those graded as not presented will not be allowed to take the re-evaluation test. The maximum grade for the re-evaluation exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student summoned to the re-evaluation test, held during the set period, will not give rise to another test at a later date.

Test Rules

If any of the laboratory or continuous assessment activities are not performed in the scheduled period, it will be considered a zero score.

Office Hours

From Monday to Friday, times to be agreed by email or in person with the teacher of the corresponding topic.

Bibliography

Basic

Chuvieco Salinero, Emilio; Huete, Alfredo. Fundamentals of satellite remote sensing. Boca Raton [etc.]: Taylor & Francis, 2010. ISBN 9780415310840.
Woodhouse, Iain H. Introduction to microwave remote sensing. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis, 2006. ISBN 0415271231.