Applications of the Copernicus satellites

Remote sensors are an essential tool for the global and local study of climate and environmental change. But to speak of remote sensors is to deal with a broad set of techniques, ranging from passive to active sensors, and from those that fly at near-surface heights to those that orbit Earth. The objectives of remote sensors are also multiple, from the analysis of land and oceans to the composition of gases in the atmosphere.

For this reason, the project presented is aimed at delving into various techniques, exploiting the specialization the team members have developed in different fields, but without forgetting the overall vision that the Copernicus project offers on climate and environmental change. Copernicus is the largest ever European investment in satellite capabilities providing six types of remote sensing satellite and a constellation of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that will serve Europe into the 2030s. There is a demonstrable need for Copernicus training within academia and industry as evidenced by the Copernicus Academy Network and related activities of the Copernicus Office of the EU and national actors.

Objectives of the course

Show a set of techniques and processes to take advantage of the possibilities offered by remote sensing to address aspects of climate and environmental change, at a global and local level.

Structure of the course

This summer school will consist on the one hand of lectures given by the participant experts on remote sensing techniques applicable to the study of climate and environmental change and related phenomena, and on the other, of using those techniques in practical sessions to perform local studies focused on a different topic each summer school edition. Complimentary activities such as (virtual) visits to institutions or facilities relevant to the course topic are also planned.

It is divided into three thematic blocks. An initial thematic block focused on environmental characterization through remote sensors of the city that organizes the event (in this case Madrid region and Madrid city); a second block dedicated to the fundamentals and techniques of remote sensing (technological bases), and a third block focused on research and applications.