Earth Observation
About Us
The University of New England Earth Observation Group develops and applies Earth observation science to understand how landscapes, ecosystems, agricultural systems and species respond to environmental change within the broader Earth system.
Our research integrates satellite, airborne, drone and in-situ observations with environmental modelling to translate measurements of the Earth’s surface into useful information about ecosystem function, vegetation condition, water quality, biodiversity and agricultural production.
The group has particular expertise in hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, multispectral remote sensing, microwave Earth observation, plant functional traits, chlorophyll fluorescence, environmental modelling and the integration of climate and ecological observations.
A central focus of our work is connecting observations across scale: from plant leaves, field spectroscopy and ground measurements to drone and airborne observations, landscapes, regions and satellite systems. We combine environmental science with advanced Earth observation technologies to develop practical, evidence-based approaches for monitoring, modelling and forecasting environmental change.
Working across terrestrial, agricultural, freshwater and coastal environments, the group collaborates with government agencies, research organisations, industry and major national and international Earth observation programs. Our collaborators include NASA, CSIRO, and Australian State and Commonwealth departments responsible for climate change, environment, biodiversity and natural resource management.
These collaborations allow us to contribute to the development, validation and application of emerging Earth observation technologies while delivering science that supports environmental management, agriculture and evidence-based decision-making.
Earth Observation and Ecosystem Function We develop observation-driven approaches for measuring and modelling ecosystem productivity, vegetation condition, water cycling, energy balance and environmental change. Our research combines satellite time series, hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, multispectral and microwave observations, climate data and field measurements to better understand how ecosystems function and how they respond to drought, heat, disturbance and longer-term climate variability. A major objective is to move beyond mapping where environmental change occurs to understanding the processes responsible for that change. Hyperspectral Earth Observation and Imaging Spectroscopy Hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy is a core capability of the UNE Earth Observation Group. We use field, laboratory, airborne and satellite spectroscopy to investigate vegetation function, plant traits, water quality, ecosystem condition and agricultural performance. Our research examines how the detailed spectral information provided by hyperspectral sensors can be translated into biologically and environmentally meaningful measurements. This includes applications using current and emerging satellite and airborne imaging spectroscopy missions, together with field spectroscopy and environmental observations, to improve the detection, attribution and monitoring of environmental change. Through collaborations with organisations including NASA, CSIRO and Australian environmental agencies, we contribute to the development and application of hyperspectral Earth observation from local field experiments to regional and national monitoring. Plant Functional Traits and Ecophysiology We investigate how plant physiological and functional traits can be observed from leaves to landscapes. Our research connects field spectroscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, solar-induced fluorescence and biophysical modelling to understand plant function and environmental stress. A key objective is to develop methods that allow plant traits and physiological responses measured in the field to be scaled to airborne and satellite observations. This provides a pathway from measuring individual plants to understanding vegetation function across entire landscapes. Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Earth Observation We develop Earth observation approaches for precision agriculture, crop monitoring and agricultural forecasting. Our research integrates satellite, airborne, drone and field observations with climate, soil, plant-trait and management information to understand spatial and temporal variation in crop performance. This includes monitoring crop establishment, phenology, vegetation condition, biomass, productivity, plant water stress and yield. A particular focus is the use of multispectral and hyperspectral Earth observation, chlorophyll fluorescence and solar-induced fluorescence to detect changes in crop function and stress before they become visually apparent. We are also developing approaches that combine vegetation indices, plant functional traits, climate observations and machine learning to improve in-season prediction of crop condition, biomass, phenology, harvest timing and yield. Our research operates from plant and sub-paddock scales through to regional and national agricultural systems, supporting both precision management and broader agricultural monitoring. Biodiversity and Threatened Species We develop Earth observation approaches that move beyond static habitat mapping towards understanding the environmental processes that support species persistence. Our research investigates relationships between climate, vegetation condition, ecosystem productivity, habitat structure and wildlife occurrence, with particular interest in Australian threatened species including koalas and greater gliders. By integrating ecological observations with Earth observation and environmental modelling, we aim to develop more dynamic approaches to habitat assessment, monitoring and forecasting. This work increasingly examines habitat as a changing functional system rather than simply a mapped vegetation class. Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems We integrate satellite and airborne Earth observation with in-situ water-quality measurements to improve understanding and management of freshwater, estuarine and coastal environments. Research includes the detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms, phytoplankton, suspended matter, aquatic optical properties and environmental change. A particular focus is understanding how hyperspectral Earth observation can improve the consistency, scalability and operational use of water-quality monitoring. We combine field spectroscopy and water-quality observations with airborne and satellite measurements to develop methods that can be transferred across sensors, locations and spatial scales. Climate, Energy Balance and Environmental Systems We investigate how climate, microclimate, vegetation, water and land management interact to influence ecosystem and agricultural function. This includes research into surface energy balance, vegetation productivity, plant water stress, ecosystem responses to climate extremes and emerging land-use systems such as agrisolar. Our objective is to connect environmental observations with predictive models that can support agricultural production, biodiversity conservation, environmental management and adaptation to climate variability and change. From Observation to Prediction An important direction of the group is the transition from observing environmental change to understanding and anticipating it. We are developing approaches that combine Earth observation time series, environmental measurements, climate data, ecosystem processes and modelling to detect changes in environmental state, understand the processes driving those changes and improve forecasts of future condition. This work spans vegetation phenology and productivity, plant functional traits, precision agriculture, crop yield and biomass, water quality, habitat condition, biodiversity and ecosystem response to climate extremes. Our broader goal is to progress Earth observation from describing what has happened towards providing evidence about why change is occurring and what is likely to happen next. Collaboration Collaboration is central to the work of the UNE Earth Observation Group. We work with Australian and international research organisations, government agencies and Earth observation programs, including NASA, CSIRO, State government environmental agencies and Commonwealth departments responsible for climate change and the environment. These collaborations span satellite mission science, airborne and hyperspectral remote sensing, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, water quality, agriculture, climate science and the development of new Earth observation methods. They provide opportunities to connect UNE research and students with major national and international Earth observation initiatives and to ensure that our science contributes to operational environmental and agricultural decision-making. The Earth Observation Group welcomes enquiries from prospective Honours, Masters and PhD students interested in Earth observation, remote sensing, environmental science, ecology, agriculture, precision agriculture, plant physiology, imaging spectroscopy and water quality. Research projects range from field and laboratory measurements through drone and airborne remote sensing to regional, national and global satellite analysis. Students have opportunities to work with advanced Earth observation technologies including hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, satellite time series, drone platforms, environmental sensor networks, chlorophyll fluorescence, solar-induced fluorescence, flux measurements and high-performance computing. Students may also engage with research undertaken in collaboration with major Australian and international organisations and Earth observation programs. We aim to provide a collaborative and supportive research environment in which environmental and agricultural questions drive the development and application of new Earth observation methods. For research and postgraduate opportunities, please contact: Professor Bradley Evans Professor Bradley Evans — Group Lead Adjunct Professor Alex Held — CSIRO Dr Adam Roff — NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Research Students Ivana Dimovski — PhD Candidate Alex Borisut — PhD Candidate Yvie van de Kaa — PhD Candidate Nathalie Broedl-Godbee — PhD Candidate Justine Kreuger — PhD Candidate (on leave) William Rodas Bravo — Masters Research
Group Lead, Earth Observation
University of New England
Bradley.Evans@une.edu.au
Earth observation, ecosystem modelling, hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, plant functional traits, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring and forecasting.
Optical and microwave remote sensing, international satellite coordination, vegetation and ecosystem mapping, imaging spectroscopy and Earth observation strategy.
Technology and innovation for ecology, drone-based wildlife monitoring, remote sensing and conservation.
Koala habitat, ecosystem function and environmental change in the New England region.
Multi-scale Earth observation of freshwater and coastal water quality, integrating field observations with satellite and airborne remote sensing.
Integration of satellite Earth observation, in-situ monitoring, weather and operational datasets to improve monitoring and management of recycled-water storages.
Aquatic optical properties and the application of hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy to scalable and consistent water-quality observation.
Chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral imaging and climate-based approaches to understanding regional tree condition and health, linking leaf-scale physiology with landscape-scale Earth observation.
Integration of chlorophyll fluorescence, solar-induced fluorescence and Earth observation for crop monitoring and prediction from field to paddock scale.
