Space4Climate has compiled a list of free online training courses in Earth Observation (EO) skills.
We have sourced our listings bearing in mind those who may be new to using climate data from space in their role, returning to work involving climate data after a break, making decisions and/or policy / strategies that are influenced by climate change or are developing climate services, as well as professionals, scientists, researchers and students.
Tell us about more open access courses for EO
These courses were available at the time of publication (April 2022). If you find that a link is no longer active or if you know of high-quality resources that could also be included, please let us know by emailing s.stevens@reading.ac.uk
Listings of free online courses currently available can also be found on platforms for open access courses, such as FutureLearn.
Please note that being featured in our list is not an endorsement by Space4Climate of the content or quality of the course.
Listings
Data Visualisation – Tools and Techniques – Bing video
Slides presented by Martin Schweitzer, Data Technologist, Australian Research Data Commons, one of a 3-part series.
Modelling Land Biomass by Machine Learning: Modeling Forest Aboveground Biomass using EO Data and ML (aigeolabs.com)
Miombo woodland ecosystems (in Africa) play a vital role in the global carbon cycle, however, it is currently difficult to know how much carbon they store and sequester due to a lack of data. Therefore, an accurate estimation of forest above ground biomass (AGB) is required to provide the baseline of forest carbon stocks and quantify the anthropogenic emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation. In addition, accurate estimation of forest AGB is critical to implementing cost-effective carbon emission mitigation strategies.
Online course on machine learning for Data Scientists: Machine Learning From Basic to Advanced (onlinetutorials.org)
Learn to create Machine Learning algorithms in Python. Code templates included. This course is designed for beginners with some programming experience or experienced developers looking to make the jump to Machine Learning.
CEDA: Getting started with JASMIN
A webinar for new users to get started on JASMIN, a globally unique data intensive supercomputer for environmental science. It will help learners to:
- Understand what JASMIN is
- Learn how to get access to JASMIN
- Learn how to transfer files to/from JASMIN
Climate Data Records from Satellites: A metrological approach
NPL (National Physical Laboratory) offers a one-day free e-learning training course on how to consider uncertainty analysis in satellite data products, with specific focus on those making and using satellite level 1 data records. It is available on the NPL website training page.
Digital Earth Africa Map video tutorial
Digital Earth Africa can be used to access a wide range of spatial data across Africa. Learn how it can be used for searching data, finding location coordinates and analysing data with the Open Data Cube. These videos are part of a workshop from the 2021 Open Data Cube Conference. Access the step-by-step tutorial series.
Satellites & climate, free online courses from the European Space Agency (ESA).
ESA produces a range of MOOCs exploring EO technology and how data applications work. The courses are typically spread over 5 weeks. They include:
Monitoring Climate from Space led by Prof Martin Wooster, King’s College London.
Explore our planet from space and learn how Earth Observation is used to monitor climate change. Designed for people who want to learn more about EO, climate change and monitoring climate from space. The course can also help decision-makers, policy-makers, educators and communicators to gain a better insight into how satellite data can help them assess the state of our climate and its changes, to support climate science, and adaptation and mitigation decisions. https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/monitoring-climate-from-space
Earth Observation from Space: The Optical View led by Prof Mat Disney, UCL (University College London)
Discover how optical Earth Observation data is gathered and used. Find out how satellite data is acquired and used, the range of data types available and the terminology and techniques involved. The course provides detailed case studies of how this data is used in diverse fields, from climate science to humanitarian relief, monitoring of urban change to agriculture, and many other areas.
https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/the-optical-view
The Frozen Frontier: Monitoring the Greenland Ice Sheet from Space led by the late Prof Konrad Steffen, who was Director of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
Learn how the Greenland ice sheet is monitored from space and the ground. Look at measurements made possible by EO satellites such as Cryosat, the technologies and techniques involved, the data generated and its uses and challenges. Explore the role of ice in the climate system and the impact of climate change on the Greenland ice sheet.
https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/the-frozen-frontier
Earth Observation from Space: The Cryosphere led by Prof Andrew Shepherd, University of Leeds.
An introduction to the role of EO technology in meeting the challenges of monitoring the Cryosphere.
https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/the-cryosphere
Monitoring Oceans from Space led by Dr Mark Higgins, EUMETSAT
Discover how EO allows us to monitor ocean health and inform policy and planning. This course gives an introduction to the operational marine data stream from EUMETSAT in the context of the Copernicus programme. It highlights the role of the Sentinel-3, Sentinel-6 and Jason-3 ocean monitoring satellites and the contributing missions providing marine data for Copernicus – such as Metop and Meteosat. It also explores the role of the Copernicus Marine Environment Service (CMEMS), focussing on the applications of its data for users and its wider benefits to society.
https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/monitoring-oceans-from-space
Earth Observation – Disruptive Technology and New Space
A series of interviews with leading experts across Earth Observation and related technologies and a look at how ESA is responding to the digital trends, and the real-world impact emerging from ESA’s Phi innovation strategy.
https://www.imperativemoocs.com/courses/disruptingeo
Drought Assessment and Monitoring from Space
No prior knowledge of EO is required for this course which also covers the role of cloud computing and easy access to satellite data. Explore extensive time-series data on vegetation and the wealth of operational satellites monitoring vegetation development, yield assessment, yield forecast and more. This course is suitable for agricultural scientists, water resources specialists and others who are interested in water and food security and the role EO plays. Registration is via ESA’s EO AFRICA Community portal, the course is planned to be available until November 2022.
https://www.eoafrica-rd.org/space-academy/mooc/
Land in Focus – Basics of Remote Sensing
A series of online learning materials suitable for anyone interested in the potential of remote sensing technologies for applications over land surfaces. It covers the fundamentals of remote sensing technology as well as the tools needed to handle real-life scenarios.
https://eo4society.esa.int/resources/land-in-focus/
Echoes in Space
Find out about the history and basics of radar technology and Radar Remote Sensing from space and gain hands-on experience in diverse application scenarios. Suitable for anyone looking for an introduction to radar images or to gain more in-depth knowledge of the topic.
https://eo4society.esa.int/resources/echoes-in-space/
Winter, Water, Warming: Canadian SAR Applications
In this estimated 4-hour course, learn about early developments of radar leading to the Canadian RADARSAT programme and how Canadian government researchers and managers are currently using satellite radar data in their day-to-day work. Following a brief introduction, the five short lessons cover:
- Canada and RADAR
- Agriculture
- Lake and River Ice
- Sea Ice
- Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission
This course assumes basic knowledge of radar remote sensing.
https://eo4society.esa.int/resources/winter-water-warming/
A list of ESA’s current free online courses is available on its website.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Earth Monitoring by ECMWF, the European Environment Agency, EUMETSAT and Mercator Ocean International.
Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are helping to advance Earth monitoring.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/artificial-intelligence-for-earth-monitoring
Causes of Climate Change by the University of Bergen and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
Learn the physical processes behind climate variation around the world to better understand the causes of climate change.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/causes-of-climate-change
Copernicus MOOC by ECMWF (the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts)
An introduction to Copernicus data and the Copernicus ecosystem, the European union’s EO programme. The course is supported by videos on YouTube, explaining Copernicus data and services.
https://www.copernicus.eu/en/opportunities/education/copernicus-mooc
12 videos available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNxdHvTE74JypHatACSUX155AjvXp0tcu
Monitoring Atmospheric Composition by EUMETSAT and the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service/ECMWF in support of the EU’s Copernicus Programme
An overview of the different ways in the atmosphere is monitored and an introduction to the fundamental techniques and methodologies of working with this data. Learn the ways in which this data is used to inform policy and decision-making in attempts to negate and minimise the damage that is being done to our atmosphere.
https://www.atmospheremooc.org/
Observing Earth from Space by the University of Edinburgh.
Register your interest to receive an alert when the course re-opens.
A MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) from the University of Edinburgh, that introduces Earth Observation to novices using Earth Blox. Find out how the Earth is observed by hundreds of satellites, how they do it and what this means for the future.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/observing-earth-from-space
Understanding Climate Change Using Satellite Data by the University of Twente.
Register your interest to receive an alert when the course re-opens.
Explore cutting-edge technology and learn how to analyse satellite climate data to help measure and mitigate climate change.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/understanding-climate-change-using-satellite-data