Changing Horizons in Geography Education - HERODOT Network ...

In the educational field it is known that students can be motivated best for a subjectwhen the relevance of the subject is shown. Therefore this paper mainly consists ofone clear illustration how remote sensing can be used to study a relevant problem.Basic ApproachTeachers can help make their pupils familiar with remote sensing imagery at quitean early age when learning about the environment and the world, using map materialtogether with the images. Very simple examples from their own environment canserve as the pupils’ very first contact with the wide world of remote sensing.The technical background and actual registration process can be explained duringthe final years of secondary school, since a basic foreknowledge about the electromagneticfield is recommended as well as an all-round background for understandingthe core of remote sensing principles. A general interest in and knowledge about theremote sensing and cartographic application should be present as well to motivate thepupils. For example when studying the vegetation degradation in a certain area, thebasics about the global vegetation forms should be known, as well as an idea aboutthe treats of vegetation degradation and its consequences.Explaining all technical details of remote sensing at the level of secondary schoolswould be a mistake. The science of remote sensing is too wide and lots of facets areirrelevant. Therefore a severe and correct simplification of the remote sensing matteris required. The basic knowledge about satellite images has to be highlighted inorder to keep the students’ interest, as well as the application(s) the teacher is goingto use as illustration. The following basic aspects are to be mentioned to situate theremote sensing science:• The basic remote sensing vocabulary including terms as: resolution, pixel, raster,layers, colour composites, etc.• The electromagnetic spectrum and the use of different waves for registration oftypical features at the earth surface, spectral signature and the use of colours forvisualisation• The basic kinds of remote sensing satellites: from low resolution meteorologicalsatellites, such as Meteosat, over traditional earth observation satellites, as SPOT,Landsat and ASTER, to very high resolution registration systems, such as Coronaand IKONOS• The image development process: from registration over modifications and visualizationpossibilities to actual interpretation.Depending on the target group and the educational level, each of the abovementioned items can be approached on a more or less scientific level. Mentioningthe possible inaccuracies and corrections can also be a possibility for remote sensingcourses on an advanced level.Example: Vegetation dynamics study in Democratic Republic of CongoThe vegetation dynamics study in Kikwit, DRC, will be illustrated here on a levelthat advanced geography students should be able to understand. This way it showshow remote sensing is being used to gain new insights from satellite imagery.90