Observing Earth From Space

Gain insight into how satellite data is used to monitor the Earth

There are now over 600 satellites observing the Earth, with hundreds more to be launched over the next decade.  

Over this 4-week course, you will learn how satellite data informs our understanding of the natural environment and the impact of human development, finding out about different sensors that are carried by satellites and how they orbit the earth to detect changes to the planet. 

Discover easy-to-use tools to view and analyse images

Using a powerful new web tool, Earth Blox, you will be able to explore satellite data from anywhere on Earth. You will use this to learn how satellite data is used to monitor Earth, from uncovering information about climate change to how global deforestation is measured and the effects of pollution. (Please be aware that Earth Blox isn’t suitable for use on mobile phones). 

Discover the satellite applications in weather, climate, and environmental change

With the advancement of satellite imagery and orbit coverage, we can now measure a wide range of physical attributes of the Earth system from space.

This course will guide you through how the weather is monitored from space, as well as how the oceans, atmosphere, and pollution are measured. You’ll also dive into the cryosphere and biosphere of Earth and discover how these are viewed, monitored, and measured using satellite data. 

Learn from Earth Observation experts at Edinburgh University

The University of Edinburgh is one of the preeminent Higher Education Institutes for Earth Observation (EO) in the UK. Not only is the institution a member of the National Centre for EO, but their staff are involved in international space missions, world-class EO research, and creating new companies.  

The development of this course was co-funded by the UK Space Agency and ESA Space Solutions. 

In this course, you will learn about:  

• The different sensors that are carried by satellites, how they orbit the Earth, and how they utilise subtle differences in light from the surface and the atmosphere to detect the changes on the Earth.
• The ethical implications of collecting finely detailed images from space — how does that impact on privacy? How does it disadvantage countries without their own satellites?
• The importance of oceans and atmosphere in the Earth system, and how satellites can measure them.
• How space radar can detect and measure the size of ice breaking off from Antarctica, or the loss of forests in the tropics.
• How satellites can be used to measure the impact of humans on the planet, including pollution and climate change.
• How earthquakes can be measured from space

This course is designed for anyone interested in earth observation and the applications of satellite imagery. 

It will be especially useful for anyone working in businesses related to the space sector, or for students wanting to explore the topic before choosing further study and a career pathway. 

Introductory: No previous knowledge required