Climate Engine Lab - Environmental Remote Sensing
Overview
This lab uses the Climate Engine website to introduce students to Geographical Information Software, climate data, cloud processing, and time-series analysis using common environmental remote sensing data products
Developed for students at Guttman Community College
Background: The study of ecosystems on Earth is challenging for many reasons. Ecosystems are often large areas with numerous living and non-living processes that are difficult to measure. Furthermore, many ecosystems are located in places difficult to access for human study. It may be expensive or impossible to install research stations in many ecosystems.
Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about the environment from a distance. Satellites for environmental science have sensors to measure aspects of Earth from space. These satellite can provide information on land surface temperature, vegetation structure, photosynthesis, and other processes related to ecosystems. We can use the information from multiple satellites to improve our understanding of ecosystems on Earth.
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to learn to access basic climate data provided by satellites, practice working with websites for cloud processing, and gain an understanding of the seasonal changes of your specific ecosystem.
Procedure: Follow the steps in the attached lab to proceed through the Climate Engine website. The following tutorial will also guide you through this data processing exercise:
YouTube tutorial: Climate Engine Video Tutorial