Observing Earth From Space
The University of Edinburgh
  • Start Date: 25 Oct, 2021
  • 4 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Find out how the Earth is observed by hundreds of satellites, how they do it, and what this means for the future.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility

Course Description

This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn partnership.

Gain insight into how satellite data is used to monitor the Earth


There are now over 600 satellites observing the Earth, with hundreds more to be launched over the next decade. ​


Over this 4-week course, you will learn how satellite data informs our understanding of the natural environment and the impact of human development, finding out about different sensors that are carried by satellites and how they orbit the earth to detect changes to the planet. ​


Discover easy to use tools to view and analyse images


Using a powerful new web tool, Earth Blox, you will be able to explore satellite data from anywhere on Earth. You will use this to learn how satellite data is used to monitor Earth, from uncovering information about climate change to how global deforestation is measured and the effects of pollution. (Please be aware that EarthBlox isn’t suitable for use on mobile phones).


Discover the satellite applications in weather, climate, and environmental change


With the advancement of satellite imagery and orbit coverage, we can now measure a wide range of physical attributes of the Earth system from space.


This course will guide you through how the weather is monitored from space, as well as how the oceans, atmosphere, and pollution are measured. You’ll also dive into the cryosphere and biosphere of Earth and discover how these are viewed, monitored, and measured using satellite data.


Learn from Earth Observation experts at Edinburgh University


Edinburgh University is one of the preeminent Higher Education Institutes for Earth Observation (EO) in the UK. Not only are they are a member of the National Centre for EO, but their staff are involved in international space missions, world-class EO research, and creating new companies.


This course is designed for anyone interested in earth observation and the applications of satellite imagery.


It will be especially useful for anyone working in businesses related to the space sector, or for students wanting to explore the topic before choosing further study and a career pathway.


The development of this course was co-funded by the UK Space Agency and ESA Space Solutions.


This course relies on learners using EarthBlox™ software in order to successfully complete the course. You will get the best experience using a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a mobile device with a smaller screen.


Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh has been influencing the world since 1583.

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 50 universities, the University of Edinburgh is globally recognised for its research, development and high-quality teaching, attracting some of the world’s leading thinkers to work and study there.

Today, the University continues in a spirit of innovation, with world-leading researchers educating the pioneers of tomorrow.

 

This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with FutureLearn.

You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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