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Learn how satellite imagery and the science of remote sensing allows us to detect wildfires, help manage their spread, and guide ecological restoration.
Wildfires are a natural and essential part of our ecosystem, recycling soil nutrients and renewing healthy forests. In Alaska, around one million acres (4000 km2) burn every year, and record years have seen as many as six million acres burned. Most of these fires are allowed to spread naturally.
However, when wildfires occur near population centers, they can be a serious threat to the safety and well-being of people. Recent disastrous fire seasons in Alaska, California, and Australia have shown how communities near forests, in what is known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), are increasingly at risk due to hotter and drier summer weather caused by climate change.
In the fight to protect these communities, remote sensing technology has become essential. Wildfire analysts use satellite imagery and powerful computer programs to predict fire risk, detect fires early, and monitor their spread. After a wildfire is extinguished, remote sensing is used to analyze the impact of a fire and to guide sustainable restoration efforts.
Participants in this course will learn about remote sensing of wildfires from instructors at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located in one of the world’s most active wildfire zones. Students will learn about wildfire behavior, and get hands-on experience with tools and resources used by professionals to create geospatial maps that support firefighters on the ground.
Upon completion, students will be able to:
Verified track learners will receive a one-year ArcGIS Pro license in addition to unlimited course access and a verified certificate.
None.
Week 1: An overview of wildfires in Alaska
Week 2: An introduction to remote sensing of Earth
Week 3: Remote sensing applications on wildfires:
Week 4: Remote sensing resources
It is striking how easily topics are introduced and manage to convey complex issues. I also believe that Alaska is a role model in the fire prevention, remote sensing and combat model, so learning from this model can be mutually useful for both Americans and foreigners.
-Raúl Oscar Russo, audit learner
This course has continual progression with clear referencing to where new information has been touched upon before in previous course content. The fluidity of the programme has changed my perception as to how influential online education can be. Fantastic.
-Robert Mann, verified learner
Associate Professor • College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Postdoctoral Researcher • Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Geospatial Data Analyst • Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA)