Advanced Webinar: Investigating Time Series of Satellite Imagery

Note: This training will be offered twice, but you should only register for one session. See the event website for more information.

Evaluation of satellite imagery for an area over time can be used to identify trends and changes. This type of time series analysis can be used to assess forest disturbance, land cover changes, vegetation health, and agriculture monitoring and expansion. NASA Earth observations can provide long-term records from Landsat, and frequent imagery from sensors including MODIS. This training will focus on two tools, AppEEARS from the LPDAAC and LandTrendr via Google Earth Engine (GEE). AppEEARS enables users to integrate point or polygon ground-based data with satellite imagery. The GEE implementation of LandTrendr enables users to analyze land cover dynamics, including short-term disturbances and long-term trends. Both sessions will feature a lecture, followed by time for hands-on exercises and questions.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this training, attendees will: 

• Become familiar with time series analysis techniques
• Understand how to evaluate time series of MODIS & Landsat data
• Learn how to integrate point data with satellite imagery using the AppEEARS web-based interface
• Learn the basics of the GEE implementation of LandTrendr including:
  • Generating annual land surface reflectance images
  • Plotting a time series of land surface reflectance
  • Creating a map of change detection, magnitude of change, duration of change event, and pre-change spectral values

Course Format: 

• Two, two-hour sessions that include lectures, time to complete hands-on exercises, and a question and answer session
• Sessions will only be broadcast in English - Session A will cover the same content as Session B
• A certificate of completion will also be available to participants who attend all three sessions and complete two homework assignments, which will be based on the webinar sessions. Note: certificates of completion only indicate the attendee participated in all aspects of the training, they do not imply proficiency on the subject matter, nor should they be seen as a professional certification.

Prerequisites: 

Attendees that do not complete prerequisites may not be adequately prepared for the pace of the course. 

• Complete Sessions 1 & 2A of Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, or equivalent experience
• Complete the Advanced Webinar: Change Detection for Land Cover Mapping ​​​​​
• Install Google Chrome: https://www.google.com/chrome/
  • For the Google Earth Engine exercise, Chrome should be used to make sure all features work
• Sign up for the Google Earth Engine Code Editor: https://signup.earthengine.google.com/

Audience: 

Advanced users of remote sensing data within local, regional, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations involved in land management and conservation efforts. Professional organizations in the public and private sectors engaged in environmental management and monitoring will be given preference over organizations focused primarily on research.