PH330 was initiated by the Physics department with help from Forestry and Geological Engineering. Physics leads the effort for the class and takes responsibility for the lecture portion. The class has only introductory Physics and Calculus as prerequisites. The class covers, in survey fashion, geometrical optics, radiometry, orbital mechanics, instrumentation and data processing and interpretation. There is a laboratory part of the class which uses RSI lab facilities in forestry and Dow buildings, and which give students an introduction to digital image processing, data formats, real satellite data, and a variety of environmental applications.
This Digital Elevation map of Michigan's Upper Peninsula forms an integral part of ecological studies by Michigan Tech researchers. Maps such as these are merged with other information such as transport networks, waterways, wildlife populations and vegetation to produce accurate and up-to-date assessments of environmental impacts.