https://arset.gsfc.nasa.

gov/land/webinars/advanced-land-classification

Advanced Webinar: Land Cover Classification with

Satellite Imagery

Dates:
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 to Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Times:
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST (UTC-5)
Land classification is an important first step to assessing land cover and land use. This advanced
webinar will provide lectures and hands-on activities focused on using satellite imagery for land
cover classification. In two, four hour sessions, attendees will learn how to acquire Landsat imagery,
display it in an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS), analyze spectral signatures of
land cover types, and conduct a supervised land cover classification. Both sessions will feature a
lecture, followed by time for participants to complete hands-on exercises. Instructors will remain
online to answer questions and provide guidance and feedback. In addition to the exercises, there
will be one online homework assignment. Completion of the homework and live attendance at both
lectures are required to receive a certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how to access and download Landsat imagery

Become familiar with Landsat bands and color combinations

Learn the basic steps for conducting a supervised land cover classification by:

https://arset.gsfc.nasa.gov/land/webinars/advanced-land-classification
o

Creating training sites

Analyzing differences in spectral signatures

Understand the differences between an unsupervised classification and a supervised

classification

Course Format:

Two, four hour sessions

Sessions will be held Tuesdays, January 31 and February 7, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST (UTC)
o

Convert to your local time

A certificate of completion will be provided to participants that attend both lectures

live, as well as complete all prerequisites and homework assignments

Prerequisites:
1.

Complete Sessions 1 & 2A of Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, or equivalent experience

2.

Download and install QGIS and all accompanying software

o
o

Use this Downloading and Installing QGIS exercise for help

This advanced training will use QGIS software, and although previous experience
with this software is not required, some experience with geospatial software will be
helpful. We strongly recommend you open QGIS and ensure the software is working
prior to starting the webinar.
Complete the Introduction to QGIS & Raster Imagery exercise

Download Prerequisite data

This includes installation of the QGIS Plugin Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin

Complete Homework via Google Forms by January 27, 2017.

Completion of the prerequisite homework by January 27, 2017 is necessary to

receive your certificate of completion

https://arset.gsfc.nasa.gov/land/webinars/advanced-land-classification
Completion of all prerequisite exercises is necessary to obtain a certificate of completion. Attendees
that do not complete prerequisites may not be properly prepared for the pace and exercises during
the training.

Audience:

Local, regional, state, federal, and international organizations interested in assessing vegetation
condition using satellite imagery. Professional organizations in the public and private sectors
engaged in environmental management and monitoring will be given preference over organizations
focused primarily on research.

Registration Information:

There is no cost for the webinar, but you must register. Space is limited, and preference will be given
to organizations listed above over organizations focused primarily on research. You will be notified by
email if your registration has been approved on or before January 30, 2017.

Register here

Course Agenda:
Agenda.pdf

Session One: Introduction to Land Cover Classification and QGIS

January 31, 2017. An overview of land cover classification, including unsupervised and supervised
classification.

Presentation Slides (English)

Exercise: Creating a Supervised Land Cover Classification

Session Two: Improving a Supervised Land Cover Classification

February 7, 2017. Analyzing training sites to improve the supervised land cover classification.

Presentation Slides (English)

Exercise: Analyzing Training Sites to Improve the Supervised Classifications

Application Area:
Land
Instruments/Missions:
Landsat
Keywords:
Conservation
Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC)