A free online ISRO course in remote sensing technology is offered to interested students who are above 8th standard

ISRO’s free online course has been announced for students who wish to learn more about remote sensing and the science of geoinformation. Any student above the 8th standard who has a basic understanding of science and math can enroll in the course. Scientists and engineers from various centers of the Indian Space Research Organization will conduct lectures for students who opt for the course.

ISRO’s free online course is offered because the organization believes that remote sensing has become a key technological tool for the collection, storage and analysis of spatially referenced data for resource planning and decision making. Remote sensing is making its way into more and more classrooms, as satellite imagery allows students to see with their own eyes and gain knowledge by actually seeing what was otherwise only taught theoretically.

What will ISRO’s free online course in remote sensing technology cover?

The course will cover the basics of remote sensing technology as required by the NCERT curriculum. Students will gain an understanding of the definition of remote sensing, its applications, the physics behind remote sensing, various terms such as resolution, orbit, and swath within the course. Some of the concepts that will be covered are:

• Introduction to remote sensing.
• The stages of remote sensing.
• Electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
• Geostationary and sun-synchronous satellites.
• Type of remote sensors.
• Multispectral scanner.
• Resolutions.
• Resolving power of satellites.
• Data products.
• Interpretation of satellite images.
• Difference between active and passive sensors.
• Categorization of remote sensing data products.
• Elements of image interpretation Nature of satellite imagery and how it can be used to monitor environmental issues.

ISRO says that to make the course appealing to students, the course will be taught in plain language using images and animations.

How do I register for ISRO’s free online course?

Interested students should first register on the official site by entering their personal information such as name, e-mail, telephone number and country, among others. Participants will then be able to take the course offered under ISRO’s Antriksh Jigyasa initiative. The course is intended to engage secondary and upper secondary students.