This module focuses on the integration of remote sensing data into groundwater/surface water exchange, specifically addressing recent advances in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, to obtain high resolution, repeat imagery. We will begin the course with an overview of remote sensing capabilities and their integration in UAS platforms. We will then explore topographic analysis from photogrammetry and the development of high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to compliment in-stream and groundwater measurements. The module will next focus on infrared sensing, both near-IR for vegetation density and stress, as well as repeated thermal IR for both stream and land surface temperature. Students will have access to photogrammetry and other remote sensing software as well as a suite of data sets.

Prerequisites: Courses in basic differential equations, physics, and chemistry.