GEODESY AND REMOTE SENSING

Provide knowledge and skills in the field of geodesy with particular reference to satellite and terrestrial geodetic measurements, and to gravimetric measurements. The physical knowledge necessary for the study of ground deformations in a tectonic and volcanic environment, and for the modeling of the relative sources will also be provided. Moreover, methodology to monitoring Earth system through remote sensing techniques will be discussesed.

Knowledge and understanding:

- theoretical bases on geodesy, gravimetry and satellite geophysical monitoring;

- theoretical bases on the use of satellite and terrestrial data for monitoring the earth system.

Ability to apply knowledge:

- ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the description of geodetic phenomena using the scientific method;

- ability to critically view qualitative and quantitative information obtained through remote sensing.

Judgment autonomy

- ability to argue personal interpretations of geodetic phenomena and more generally of observations concerning the earth system.

Communication skills

- capacity for expository synthesis and use of appropriate technical-scientific language.

Lectures.

The class is delivered through lectures. Through lectures, the students acquire the theoritical background for the processing and interpretation of geodetic data according to syllabus.

Knowledge of physics, mathematics, physics of the Earth, geology and geophysics.

Introduction (background review): definition, objectives and history of geodesy.

Reference systems: basic units, time reference systems, space reference systems, celestial, terrestrial and local reference systems, datum transformation.

Earth shape: introductory concepts, gravity, geoid, ellipsoid, height systems, temporal variations of gravity.

Methods of measurement: atmospheric refraction, satellite observations, geodetic astronomy, gravimetry, terrestrial geodetic measurements.

Projections: overview, cylindrical, planar, conic, Tissot's indicatrix, projection parameters, most common projections, how to choose a map.

Structure and dynamics of the Earth: the geophysical Earth model, isostasy, plate tectonics, interpretation on the gravity field, geodesy and recent geodynamics.

Models of ground deformation sources: point source, pipes, spheroidal pressure sources, tensile dislocations, shear dislocations. 

Fundamentals of remote sensing: concepts of remote sensing, physical principles of remote sensing, main interactions between enrgy and the material, data acquisition, characteristics of observation systems, observation and measurement tools, methodologies for the data interpretation.

1. Müller Jürgen, Torge Wolfgang (2012). Geodesy. De Gruyter Editor, ISBN: 9783110250008, 444 pages.

2. Zhiping Lu, Yunying Qu, Shubo Qiao (2014). Geodesy - Introduction to Geodetic Datum and Geodetic Systems. Springer-Verlag Editor, ISBN 978-3-642-41245-5, 401 pages.

3. Thomas Herring (2015). Treatise on Geophysics - Geodesy. Vol.3. Elsevier Editor, ISBN 9780444535795, 410 pages.

4. Daniel Dzurisin (2001). Volcano Deformation. Springer. 441 pages.

5. Pietro A. Brivio, Giovanni Lechi, Eugenio Zilioli (2006). Principi e metodi di telerilevamento. Editore CittàStudi.

6. Michael J. De Smith, Michael F. Goodchild, Paul A. Longley (2018) Geospatial Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide to Principles, Techniques and Software Tools, The Winchelsea Press, ISBN 978-1-912556-03-8, 618 pages

7. Dispense.

The examination is an oral test of about 30 minuts during which will be verified the level of knowledge and the level of understanding by the student on the theoretical and practical contents of the class. The student can choice the starting argument of the examination.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).