Key facts
UNE unit code: GISC436
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
Earth Observation is essential for understanding and managing our changing environment. This unit develops advanced skills in remote sensing and image interpretation, core components of the Earth Observation discipline, through the analysis of satellite imagery using internationally aligned best-practice methods.
Emphasising the use of Analysis Ready Data (ARD) in accordance with global (e.g. CEOS) and national (e.g. Geoscience Australia’s Digital Earth Australia) frameworks, the unit fosters a rigorous, transparent, and reproducible approach to geospatial analysis of remotely sensed data. You will build expertise in digital image display, enhancement, classification, and rectification, applying these methods to real-world case studies.
The unit focuses on applications in water resources, vegetation monitoring, fire detection and recovery, agriculture, and broader environmental condition assessment. You will also engage with key concepts in spatial data ethics, open data use, and responsible interpretation, preparing you to use Earth Observation effectively in research, government, and industry contexts.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 2 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for all students. The intensive school will be located in Canberra. Students will incur additional expenses and are also responsible for their own travel to and from the intensive school. For further information please contact the unit coordinator. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
While not mandatory, prior completion of GISC331 is recommended as it provides much of the foundational thinking that informs GISC436.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply theoretical and technical knowledge of remote sensing and image interpretation as core components of advanced Earth Observation, to extract and interpret land surface and biophysical information from satellite imagery;
- demonstrate a coherent understanding of digital image enhancement and feature extraction techniques and critically evaluate how these methods contribute to environmental monitoring and analysis
- analyse and evaluate Earth Observation data to generate geospatial solutions to applied problems in water, vegetation, fire, agricultural, and environmental contexts; and
- demonstrate independence, adaptability, and sound judgement in selecting and applying appropriate remote sensing workflows using Analysis Ready Data, consistent with national and international Earth Observation standards.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra Fieldtrip - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students will complete a series of practical exercises throughout the fieldtrip. No. Words: 2500 (equiv) To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical Activity | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
| Unit Quiz | No | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Earth Observation: Data, Processing and Applications (All volumes)
Earth Observation Australia Inc
Text refers to: All offerings
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