Aim
In this lecture you will gain a broad overview of the applications of remote sensing. Examples from different disciplines and applied Earth Observation projects will provide your with a comprehensive understanding of if, where and how remote sensing can contribute to qualitative and quantitative assessments of the cryosphere, forest ecosystems, agro-ecosystems, the coastal zone and urban ecosystems; amongst others. We will evaluate the potential of passive and active sensor systems and adress the advantages and shortcomings of existing sensors in the optical / mutlsispectral, thermal and microwave domain.
Content
This lecture provides knowledge on applications of Earth Observation with a focus on remote sensing of the land surface. Which research questions of different disciplines can be answered by the means of Earth Observation? What are the main approaches? The module links up remote sensing measurements to geo- and biophysical parameters required for further geoanalysis. Commonly used methodological approaches for the derivation of the different parameters are presented. Examples include amongst others applications in geography, environmental planning, ecology, biology, oceanology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, but also e.g. pollution control (monitoring) and natural resource management. In addition, the module outlines selected examples, how remote sensing technology can be transferred to the workplace of professionals also beyond science, e.g. via the use of geoinformation systems.
General Course News and Updates
Successful MSc Defense by Laura Obrecht
At the recent EAGLE MSc defenses, Laura Obrecht presented her thesis on the detection of grassland mowing events using Sentinel-1 InSAR coherence and deep learning approaches. Her work, titled “Detektion von Grünlandmahd mit Sentinel-1 InSAR Coherence und einem Deep...
First-semester EAGLE students deliver an impressive suite of R packages
One of the most encouraging signs of a strong Earth Observation curriculum is when students move beyond learning existing tools and start building their own. In their very first semester of the EAGLE MSc program, our students did exactly that: developing a diverse and...
EAGLE MSc Defense: Evaluating the Potential of a Deep Learning Framework for Detecting Mowing Events in German Grasslands with Sentinel-1 InSAR Coherence
On May 22, 2026, Laura Obrecht will present her Master Thesis on " Evaluating the Potential of a Deep Learning Framework for Detecting Mowing Events in German Grasslands with Sentinel-1 InSAR Coherence" at 11:00 a.m. in room 01.B.03 (EORC meeting room 1st floor). From...
From Kruger to Potchefstroom: Reconnecting with South African EAGLE
After completing their internship in Kruger National Park, EAGLE students Sebastian and Clemens were not quite ready to leave South Africa behind. Instead of heading straight home, they reunited with their South African EAGLE friend, Charl Strydom, for a road trip...
Celebrating Dr. Aida Taghavi: An EAGLE Graduate’s Successful PhD Defense
We are delighted to congratulate our former EAGLE M.Sc. student, Dr. Aida Taghavi, on the successful defense of her PhD thesis, “Multi-Sensor Soil-Moisture Estimation and Freeze–Thaw Detection across Alpine Grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, Peatland Permafrost in...
EAGLE Internship Presentation: Remote sensing for Ecological Applications in the High Arctic
On April 13, 2026, Clara Vydra will present her internship results on " Remote sensing for Ecological Applications in the High Arctic" at 15:30 in seminar room 3, John-Skilton-Str. 4a. From the abstract: This internship focused on supporting Master students in their...
EAGLE MSc Defense: Current Status, Trends, and Future Challenges of the Alpine Cryosphere, Illustrated by an Example from the Hohe Tauern National Park
On April 27, 2026 Clara Vydra will present her Master Thesis on "Current Status, Trends, and Future Challenges of the Alpine Cryosphere, Illustrated by an Example from the Hohe Tauern National Park" at 14:00 in seminar room 3, John-Skilton-Str. 4a. From the abstract:...
🦅 Don’t Miss the EAGLE M.Sc. Application Deadline – May 15
The deadline to apply for the EAGLE M.Sc. “Applied Earth Observation and Geoanalysis of the Living Environment” program is approaching quickly - applications must be submitted before midnight May 15th (CEST) for a winter term start in October. Located at our EORC at...
EAGLE social ski retreat
To recharge their batteries after an intense semester, some EAGLE students went skiing together in the Austrian Alps, taking the opportunity to experience cold-region environments themselves. Beyond the thrill of the slopes, the trip allowed students to observe snow...
EAGLE Internship Presentation: Geomorphological Monitoring at Askja Caldera: Field Observations of Subsurface Instability
On April 28, 2026, Hanna Zoë Schulten will present her internship results on " Geomorphological Monitoring at Askja Caldera: Field Observations of Subsurface Instability" at 12:30 in seminar room 3, John-Skilton-Str. 4a. From the abstract: Volcanic calderas are...