International Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation (Jul 2024)
Hyperedu online learning program for hyperspectral remote sensing: Concept, implementation and lessons learned
Abstract
The increasing importance of Earth observation information for society and environment, particularly in the expanding domain of hyperspectral remote sensing, along with the significantly increasing data availability, emphasizes the demand for online education to address the growing need for expertise in this domain. We present a comprehensive review of existing online education programs on Earth observation that underline the limited availability of online resources for hyperspectral remote sensing.To respond to this demand, we introduce HYPERedu, an online education program on hyperspectral remote sensing that has been developed as part of the EnMAP satellite mission since 2019. The program’s core components, content, and participation statistics, along with insights from participant feedback, are presented. HYPERedu offers a wide range of resources, including slide collections, tutorials, video screencasts, and online courses, making them accessible to a broad audience for university teaching, training schools and individual learning. The program’s effectiveness as well as challenges and insights encountered during program development are discussed. We emphasize the importance of collaborative learning, sustainability efforts for long-term material accessibility and quality assurance, and the need to bridge the digital divide with offline options, open-source tools, and multilingual content. Effective content presentation is vital, focusing on consistent branding, concise modules, interactive features, and narrative-style videos. Additionally, we explore the future of online Earth observation learning, considering enhanced participant interaction and the integration of new learning concepts. Finally, we underscore the significance of outreach and training for satellite mission utilization and advocate for open education to promote open science, data, software, and accessibility for inclusive education.
