Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Class Taught by Professor Xinzhao Chu in Spring 2006

ASEN-5519. Laser Remote Sensing: Fundamentals and Applications in Science and Engineering

Course Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this class include a basic understanding of atomic, laser and optical physics, electromagnetic waves, statistics/probability, and signal processing. These are all topics that are covered in undergraduate physics or engineering programs. If you do not have a background in one of these areas you should expect to spend some extra time on the specific material. Note – This is a graduate class and you are expected to work independently to solve problems. There are many resources, including the library, at your disposal. If you feel that you are significantly deficient in more than one of the areas listed above then you should contact the instructor.

Course Objectives
Laser remote sensing is an advanced technology that is not only replacing conventional sensors in science, engineering, and medicine, but also creating new methods with unique properties that could not be achieved before. The course will cover laser remote sensing principle, technology, and their applications in scientific research and industry engineering. Our goals are to provide students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of laser remote sensing, and the necessary knowledge and ability to pursue research in the lidar and remote sensing field. Topics include lidars (Light Detection and Ranging), laser altimetry, and special lidars such as space-borne lidar, ocean lidar and ladar. For each topic, measurement principle, device technology, data inversion, and their applications will be taught in the classroom, while laboratory visits and field trips will give students hands-on opportunities to see and operate real lidars. Students will analyze real lidar data for conversion to physical parameters. Data conversion results will be discussed and connected to applications in atmosphere/space science, topography, pollution monitoring, ocean studies, and space engineering. Objectives of the course are to provide:

1. a comprehensive, yet easily understandable, up-to-date overview of the basics of laser remote sensing technologies and their potentials in scientific and industry research;
2. exposure to and practical experience with existing laser remote sensing device and data reduction computer codes and algorithms;
3. an introduction to various applications of laser remote sensing technology in science, and engineering.