Do I need to buy the textbook?
The textbook is purely optional. The online learning materials I have developed for this unit are free and extensive. They are sufficient by themselves without the text. However, if you like to learn by reading a hardcopy book, the textbook option is there for you. The textbook has considerably more detail and depth on most topics and may suit the advanced learner who wishes to dig deeper.
When can I get the lecture and practical materials?
All lecture and practical materials will be uploaded progressively from Week 1 onto this companion website. See the weekly timeline of availability here.
What is UCROO and do I need to create an account?
UCROO is a social media style interactive webspace that was modeled around Facebook. It is endorsed by CDU as a trial. You need to be a CDU staff member or student to access the ENV202 (502, please also join 202) class space. It is highly recommended that you create an account and join the class space as this will be where we address all non-confidential communication, including Image of the Week (IOTW) and technical support. Previous classes have found this to be a more interactive and friendly environment for facilitating learning than discussion boards. You do not need a Facebook account to join, just a CDU email address.
Why won't you answer my question over email?
We request that all non-confidential questions get posted to UCROO rather than emailed to staff. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, if you post to a forum where you fellow students have access, it's likely that another student will be able to answer your question a lot faster than waiting for staff to get to their emails. Secondly, many students have the same question, so it's more efficient to only answer once, and then have the resolution available for all to see. Sometimes you will get your question answered before you even know to ask it! Finally it decreases email traffic in general as there are lots of students enrolled in the class. So please don't be offended if you are asked to direct your question to UCROO.
What is RSCAL?
RSCAL or the Remote Sensing Computer Aided Learning program is an interactive package covering the foundations of theory in remote sensing. This provides supplementary material to the lectures and practical sessions for you to undertake in your own time.
Are the questions at the end of RSCAL assessed?
No. These are here for your own revision purposes. No record is made of your response.
What is the Remote Sensing Virtual Lab?
The remote sensing virtual lab addresses three specific areas of remote sensing where students commonly face difficulties. It contains several interactive areas for students to explore information, as well as numerous opportunities to learn through audiovisual material. This provides supplementary material to the lectures and practical sessions.
What is the companion site?
This is the companion site. It contains all of your theory and practical materials released on a week by week basis. This is outside of learnline to ensure that you always have access to it. It is also great on mobile devices, is fast, and has a very user-friendly interface.
There are a lot of learning materials in this class. Do I need to read / watch / do them all?
Everybody learns in different ways, therefore there are a variety of learning materials for you to choose from. If you like reading a textbook, you have that option. Alternatively, there are several online resources available including interactive packages and videos that will assist your learning. Every week has a checklist containing information about 'what you need to do' and 'what you need to know'. How you actually engage with your learning options to achieve this is up to you.
What is Padlet, and how do I access it?
Padlet is a free, online whiteboard type tool that allows us to interactively and virtually brainstorm ideas. We are using this in class to capture ideas within groups, and individually as a reflection at the end of each class. You can access and contribute to the class Padlet walls by following the links available for each topic each week on UCROO. These are usually posted between 11am and 1pm on Tuesdays during lecture times.
What is Scoopit and how do I access it?
Scoopit is a free, online curating tool that allows us to bring together a range of online resources under a particular topic. It allows a user with an account to post a 'reaction' (like a comment) to any scooped topic. Registration is free. Links to class scoops can be found on UCROO.
What remote sensing software do I need?
ENVI will be the software used for viewing and analysing remotely sensed data in the practicals for this unit. This software is installed (with licences) and available for your use in Purple 12.1.28 and 12.3.17.
If you are an external student and have not yet received a copy of the software, please contact your lecturer to arrange for a CD and a temporary license to be sent to you. Note that this option is available as a first priority to external students who cannot attend the practical sessions, as we have a limited number of licenses available for home use.
How do I install and license ENVI?
Once you have downloaded and saved the executable file to your hard drive (from the DVD you received in the mail), double click on IDL83ENVI51win64.exe (or the 32bit or Mac OS version) to begin the installation process.
After the initial installation, run the 'hotfix' executable.
When the installation is complete, complete the following steps to license the software:
- Click Start > All Programs > ENVI 5 > Tools > License Wizard
- Select “Request a license if you don’t have internet access”
- This opens a new window containing the Hostname and Host ID of your machine. Copy these into an email and send it to [email protected] along with your full contact details. Use the subject line 'CDU ENVI License Request'.
- I will then forward your information on to the software supplier (ITTVis) and they will provide a licence code for you to install. Make sure that you don’t leave it until the night before your assessment is due, or you won’t receive your license in time!
Note that your licence key for ENVI is not the same as your licence key for ArcGIS.
ENVI installation – error message: licence not found
If you have an error with the following message:
The ENVI license feature was not found.
Please start the ITT license wizard to request an evaluation license.
Launch the License Wizard applescript from the ENVI installation directory.
This means that you have not licensed the software yet. On the CD that you were sent, there is a document called ENV202 student info that tells you what to do to request the license, which your lecturer will then obtain for you.
If you have followed this process and still get the same error message, you we will need to request another license for you – so please inform your lecturer.
ENVI on Mac OS – using the mouse keys
Some of the ENVI functions are designed for use with a multi-button mouse, and therefore may not work using an Apple mouse or keypad.To get around this, you can use the drop down menus to find the same tools.
For example, if you want to use the z profile tool, you could normally right click in the zoom window. Another way to bring up the z profile tool is by using the display group window menus: go to tools > profiles > zprofile (spectrum).
If you have a macbook with a touchpad mouse, a double finger click also works the same as a right mouse click.
How do I access Liberty?
Liberty is located on the CD that you were sent as an external student. On campus, it's on the G drive under RESOURCES/ENV202/Liberty
Can I use Liberty on a Mac OS?
If you are using a Mac OS you will need to run it from a Windows platform or by using a remote access system. There are a couple of options:
1. If you can get access to a PC, use that.
2. Essentially you need to install Windows on your MacOS. Software such as Parallels (http://www.parallels.com/au/) or Bootcamp (http://www.apple.com/au/support/bootcamp/) will allow you to do this. Parallels will set you back about $80; Bootcamp may already be pre-installed on late version Macs. You don't have to restart the machine to switch between Windows and Mac OS and you can share files etc. between systems. Bootcamp uses partitioning of the hard drive to create a separate windows operating system on the Mac. (There is supposedly no interaction between the two systems (Windows and Mac) - you boot in either one and then shut down and reboot in the other to switch; yet, some users have had no problem accessing files saved on the alternate system without rebooting.)
Once you have Parallels, Bootcamp, or similar, you need a Windows license. One student has noted that this only cost them about $100 on ebay. Note that Windows 8 is not currently supported with Bootcamp. Also note that CDU is looking at corporate licensing of Windows, so I would not recommend making a purchase just yet, unless you want to have it now and for reasons outside of this class.
3. Another third option is to install a remote access system like VMware, where you basically log on to a system from an external machine (PC, Mac, Linux, whatever) and a new window opens that looks like its own Windows computer. So it's like having a computer inside your computer. This 'virtual machine' has the software loaded on it that you need, you are just using it remotely, so you don't need to install anything or deal with any licenses. To set-up VMware follow the guide here. Using VMware on a MAC. Note: you will only be entitled to use the system once ITMS have included you in the user group for it, so please request this access from your Lecturer.
Liberty tool – error: could not open file liberty.out
If you get the error message: could not open file liberty.out when you click simulation, you may already have the liberty.out file open in another window (e.g. in Excel). If so, you need to close it or save under a different name.
Also make sure that the file is going to a location to which you have write access permission.
Spectral library viewer – Where is the usgs_min.sli file?
In ENVI, you should be able to go to Spectral > Spectral libraries > Spectral library viewer > open > spectral library
It should then default to the location where the ENVI spectral libraries are kept (c:\program files\ITT\IDL\IDL80\products\envi48\spec lib)
This will then take you to the usgs_min folder from where you can find the usgs_min.sli
Have a look at the notes and go through it step by step. If you are still having trouble please contact your lecturer or technical support staff by posting to UCROO
How do I do a screen grab?
On a Mac, press Command + shift + 3 at the same time. This will save an image file to your desktop.
On Windows, use Alt + Prnt Scrn. This copies to the clipboard, and you will need to paste it into something else in order to save the capture (e.g. a graphics package, word, or power point)
How do I get an extension on an assessment item?
Email your lecturer at least 48 hrs prior to the submission due date / time stating the reason you are requesting an extension, and your suggestion of a realistic due date. Include a medical certificate if you have one - get the doctor to explicitly state the period of time when you were unfit to study. Make sure that you consider how an extension will impact on the rest of your semester i.e. how it will compress your other assessment due dates. Generally one week is the maximum time given for an extension, and extensions are not granted for the final assessment item without a medical certificate. Note that assessment items due for other units are not considered to be valid reasons for an extension. Late submissions without an agreed extension will attract a penalty of 5% per day.
What happens if I go under or over the word limit on an assessment item?
There is no penalty for going UNDER a word limit. However you are not giving yourself the best opportunity to score marks in the assessment. Word limits give an indication of the amount of detail required.
You will not receive marks for any text OVER the limit. It is important to learn to be clear and concise in scientific communication. As Dr Suess says "the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads".
I am an external student and my learning materials have not arrived, or the disk is damaged. How can I get the data and software?
In the first instance, you should contact external student support. While you wait for a replacement, have a look at UCROO for the FTP site details where you can download a copy of the disk that was sent out.
I am an external student, but I live in the Darwin area. Am I able to attend some lectures or practicals?
Absolutely, you are more than welcome. Just come and say hi at the beginning of class. Even if you can only make it for a portion of the class, this is fine also.
How do I provide feedback on this unit?
I welcome and encourage you provide constructive feedback at any stage throughout the semester - just send me an email, see me in class, or phone me. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, I conduct a mid semester survey in week six or seven, in addition to the formal Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching that is run for all units at the end of semester. I encourage you not to wait until the end of semester if something is troubling you, as it does not leave any time for issues to be addressed for you in this current class.
The textbook is purely optional. The online learning materials I have developed for this unit are free and extensive. They are sufficient by themselves without the text. However, if you like to learn by reading a hardcopy book, the textbook option is there for you. The textbook has considerably more detail and depth on most topics and may suit the advanced learner who wishes to dig deeper.
When can I get the lecture and practical materials?
All lecture and practical materials will be uploaded progressively from Week 1 onto this companion website. See the weekly timeline of availability here.
What is UCROO and do I need to create an account?
UCROO is a social media style interactive webspace that was modeled around Facebook. It is endorsed by CDU as a trial. You need to be a CDU staff member or student to access the ENV202 (502, please also join 202) class space. It is highly recommended that you create an account and join the class space as this will be where we address all non-confidential communication, including Image of the Week (IOTW) and technical support. Previous classes have found this to be a more interactive and friendly environment for facilitating learning than discussion boards. You do not need a Facebook account to join, just a CDU email address.
Why won't you answer my question over email?
We request that all non-confidential questions get posted to UCROO rather than emailed to staff. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, if you post to a forum where you fellow students have access, it's likely that another student will be able to answer your question a lot faster than waiting for staff to get to their emails. Secondly, many students have the same question, so it's more efficient to only answer once, and then have the resolution available for all to see. Sometimes you will get your question answered before you even know to ask it! Finally it decreases email traffic in general as there are lots of students enrolled in the class. So please don't be offended if you are asked to direct your question to UCROO.
What is RSCAL?
RSCAL or the Remote Sensing Computer Aided Learning program is an interactive package covering the foundations of theory in remote sensing. This provides supplementary material to the lectures and practical sessions for you to undertake in your own time.
Are the questions at the end of RSCAL assessed?
No. These are here for your own revision purposes. No record is made of your response.
What is the Remote Sensing Virtual Lab?
The remote sensing virtual lab addresses three specific areas of remote sensing where students commonly face difficulties. It contains several interactive areas for students to explore information, as well as numerous opportunities to learn through audiovisual material. This provides supplementary material to the lectures and practical sessions.
What is the companion site?
This is the companion site. It contains all of your theory and practical materials released on a week by week basis. This is outside of learnline to ensure that you always have access to it. It is also great on mobile devices, is fast, and has a very user-friendly interface.
There are a lot of learning materials in this class. Do I need to read / watch / do them all?
Everybody learns in different ways, therefore there are a variety of learning materials for you to choose from. If you like reading a textbook, you have that option. Alternatively, there are several online resources available including interactive packages and videos that will assist your learning. Every week has a checklist containing information about 'what you need to do' and 'what you need to know'. How you actually engage with your learning options to achieve this is up to you.
What is Padlet, and how do I access it?
Padlet is a free, online whiteboard type tool that allows us to interactively and virtually brainstorm ideas. We are using this in class to capture ideas within groups, and individually as a reflection at the end of each class. You can access and contribute to the class Padlet walls by following the links available for each topic each week on UCROO. These are usually posted between 11am and 1pm on Tuesdays during lecture times.
What is Scoopit and how do I access it?
Scoopit is a free, online curating tool that allows us to bring together a range of online resources under a particular topic. It allows a user with an account to post a 'reaction' (like a comment) to any scooped topic. Registration is free. Links to class scoops can be found on UCROO.
What remote sensing software do I need?
ENVI will be the software used for viewing and analysing remotely sensed data in the practicals for this unit. This software is installed (with licences) and available for your use in Purple 12.1.28 and 12.3.17.
If you are an external student and have not yet received a copy of the software, please contact your lecturer to arrange for a CD and a temporary license to be sent to you. Note that this option is available as a first priority to external students who cannot attend the practical sessions, as we have a limited number of licenses available for home use.
How do I install and license ENVI?
Once you have downloaded and saved the executable file to your hard drive (from the DVD you received in the mail), double click on IDL83ENVI51win64.exe (or the 32bit or Mac OS version) to begin the installation process.
After the initial installation, run the 'hotfix' executable.
When the installation is complete, complete the following steps to license the software:
- Click Start > All Programs > ENVI 5 > Tools > License Wizard
- Select “Request a license if you don’t have internet access”
- This opens a new window containing the Hostname and Host ID of your machine. Copy these into an email and send it to [email protected] along with your full contact details. Use the subject line 'CDU ENVI License Request'.
- I will then forward your information on to the software supplier (ITTVis) and they will provide a licence code for you to install. Make sure that you don’t leave it until the night before your assessment is due, or you won’t receive your license in time!
Note that your licence key for ENVI is not the same as your licence key for ArcGIS.
ENVI installation – error message: licence not found
If you have an error with the following message:
The ENVI license feature was not found.
Please start the ITT license wizard to request an evaluation license.
Launch the License Wizard applescript from the ENVI installation directory.
This means that you have not licensed the software yet. On the CD that you were sent, there is a document called ENV202 student info that tells you what to do to request the license, which your lecturer will then obtain for you.
If you have followed this process and still get the same error message, you we will need to request another license for you – so please inform your lecturer.
ENVI on Mac OS – using the mouse keys
Some of the ENVI functions are designed for use with a multi-button mouse, and therefore may not work using an Apple mouse or keypad.To get around this, you can use the drop down menus to find the same tools.
For example, if you want to use the z profile tool, you could normally right click in the zoom window. Another way to bring up the z profile tool is by using the display group window menus: go to tools > profiles > zprofile (spectrum).
If you have a macbook with a touchpad mouse, a double finger click also works the same as a right mouse click.
How do I access Liberty?
Liberty is located on the CD that you were sent as an external student. On campus, it's on the G drive under RESOURCES/ENV202/Liberty
Can I use Liberty on a Mac OS?
If you are using a Mac OS you will need to run it from a Windows platform or by using a remote access system. There are a couple of options:
1. If you can get access to a PC, use that.
2. Essentially you need to install Windows on your MacOS. Software such as Parallels (http://www.parallels.com/au/) or Bootcamp (http://www.apple.com/au/support/bootcamp/) will allow you to do this. Parallels will set you back about $80; Bootcamp may already be pre-installed on late version Macs. You don't have to restart the machine to switch between Windows and Mac OS and you can share files etc. between systems. Bootcamp uses partitioning of the hard drive to create a separate windows operating system on the Mac. (There is supposedly no interaction between the two systems (Windows and Mac) - you boot in either one and then shut down and reboot in the other to switch; yet, some users have had no problem accessing files saved on the alternate system without rebooting.)
Once you have Parallels, Bootcamp, or similar, you need a Windows license. One student has noted that this only cost them about $100 on ebay. Note that Windows 8 is not currently supported with Bootcamp. Also note that CDU is looking at corporate licensing of Windows, so I would not recommend making a purchase just yet, unless you want to have it now and for reasons outside of this class.
3. Another third option is to install a remote access system like VMware, where you basically log on to a system from an external machine (PC, Mac, Linux, whatever) and a new window opens that looks like its own Windows computer. So it's like having a computer inside your computer. This 'virtual machine' has the software loaded on it that you need, you are just using it remotely, so you don't need to install anything or deal with any licenses. To set-up VMware follow the guide here. Using VMware on a MAC. Note: you will only be entitled to use the system once ITMS have included you in the user group for it, so please request this access from your Lecturer.
Liberty tool – error: could not open file liberty.out
If you get the error message: could not open file liberty.out when you click simulation, you may already have the liberty.out file open in another window (e.g. in Excel). If so, you need to close it or save under a different name.
Also make sure that the file is going to a location to which you have write access permission.
Spectral library viewer – Where is the usgs_min.sli file?
In ENVI, you should be able to go to Spectral > Spectral libraries > Spectral library viewer > open > spectral library
It should then default to the location where the ENVI spectral libraries are kept (c:\program files\ITT\IDL\IDL80\products\envi48\spec lib)
This will then take you to the usgs_min folder from where you can find the usgs_min.sli
Have a look at the notes and go through it step by step. If you are still having trouble please contact your lecturer or technical support staff by posting to UCROO
How do I do a screen grab?
On a Mac, press Command + shift + 3 at the same time. This will save an image file to your desktop.
On Windows, use Alt + Prnt Scrn. This copies to the clipboard, and you will need to paste it into something else in order to save the capture (e.g. a graphics package, word, or power point)
How do I get an extension on an assessment item?
Email your lecturer at least 48 hrs prior to the submission due date / time stating the reason you are requesting an extension, and your suggestion of a realistic due date. Include a medical certificate if you have one - get the doctor to explicitly state the period of time when you were unfit to study. Make sure that you consider how an extension will impact on the rest of your semester i.e. how it will compress your other assessment due dates. Generally one week is the maximum time given for an extension, and extensions are not granted for the final assessment item without a medical certificate. Note that assessment items due for other units are not considered to be valid reasons for an extension. Late submissions without an agreed extension will attract a penalty of 5% per day.
What happens if I go under or over the word limit on an assessment item?
There is no penalty for going UNDER a word limit. However you are not giving yourself the best opportunity to score marks in the assessment. Word limits give an indication of the amount of detail required.
You will not receive marks for any text OVER the limit. It is important to learn to be clear and concise in scientific communication. As Dr Suess says "the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads".
I am an external student and my learning materials have not arrived, or the disk is damaged. How can I get the data and software?
In the first instance, you should contact external student support. While you wait for a replacement, have a look at UCROO for the FTP site details where you can download a copy of the disk that was sent out.
I am an external student, but I live in the Darwin area. Am I able to attend some lectures or practicals?
Absolutely, you are more than welcome. Just come and say hi at the beginning of class. Even if you can only make it for a portion of the class, this is fine also.
How do I provide feedback on this unit?
I welcome and encourage you provide constructive feedback at any stage throughout the semester - just send me an email, see me in class, or phone me. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, I conduct a mid semester survey in week six or seven, in addition to the formal Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching that is run for all units at the end of semester. I encourage you not to wait until the end of semester if something is troubling you, as it does not leave any time for issues to be addressed for you in this current class.