35117 - Electromagnetic Techniques for Localization and Environmental Control (2nd Cycle)

Learning outcomes

The course provides basic knowledge of electromagnetic propagation and scattering processes beyond and beside traditional applications such as radio transmission, to allow the extraction of useful information from the environment, including location, geometrical and physical characteristics of objects, using a remote sensing platform. The course also provides the methodological elements to understand and to design the most important remote sensing, navigation and localization systems. A detailed description of the architecture and functionalities of each system is delivered. Examples of remote sensing applications and findings regarding the Ozone Hole, Sea temperature and Climate Change are provided. The student will acquire hands-on experience of the characteristics and design of a custom-built microwave radiometer during exercise sessions in the lab.

Course contents

The course is advised for students interested in the issues of environmental monitoring and climate change, and in particular its frequency is strongly RECOMMENDED for all students of the ICT FOR CLIMATE curriculum.

The course is divided into two main themes: remote sensing and remote location (positioning), plus a few hours of recalls and foundations on basic topics, which will be carried out together with the topics that require such knowledge. During the course practical exercises on microwave radiometry will be carried out, as well as in-depth seminars on localization applications and airport radio assistance.

 

PART 0: Recalls and Foundations (10h)
Recall on the basic characteristics of the antennas. Antenna linear arrays: estimation of the direction of arrival of the radio signal by arrays. The RADAR equation: Monostatic and bistatic Radar Cross Section. Outline on the architecture of cellular radio systems.


PART 1: REMOTE SENSING (30 h)
Principles and methods for remote sensing. Electromagnetic wave information acquisition techniques: fundamentals of passive and active remote sensing. Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the atmosphere and with natural surfaces (vegetation, water, soil). Multispectrality and spectral signature: examples. Satellite remote sensing: historical notes, basic concepts on the composition of a remote sensing system for Earth observation.

Main radiometric characteristics: power spectral density, irradiance, radiance, brightness. Outline of the corresponding photometric characteristics. Electromagnetic emission of the bodies: black body, gray body, emissivity and brightness temperature. Solar radiation: solar constant, diffusion and absorption in the atmosphere, insolation, index of clarity, reflectivity of surfaces (albedo), absorption and thermal re-emission. Impact of global warming and monitoring of climate change: interaction of solar radiation with the environment, radiation exchange and greenhouse effect; vegetated areas and evapotranspiration; mention of the effects of "heat island" in an urban environment.

Interaction between electromagnetic waves, obstacles and atmosphere. Temperature measurement: Radiometers and thermal imaging cameras. Land and sea surface detection: radar scatterometers. Radar for high resolution imaging applications on airborne and satellite platforms: Side-Looking Radar, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), differential interferometry. Remote sensing systems based on optical sensors: Lidar and laser scanners. Meteorological radar: detection of rain and snow, measurement of wind speed.

Notes on some types of electromagnetic sensors: charge coupled imaging sensors (CCD); electro-optical sensors: photodetectors at infrared and visible frequencies (photodiodes, photoresistors, etc.); sensors based on thermal effect: bolometers, pyroelectric detectors, etc.

Examples of applications: use of meteorological radars for nowcasting, the detection of hydrometeors and the prevention of catastrophes (floods, hurricanes, floods, landslides). Use of Lidar and laser scanners for the detection of pollutants in the atmosphere and measurement of greenhouse gases. Survey of the state of soils (temperature, humidity) and of marine surfaces (water temperature, health of phytoplankton), erosion of coastal areas, support for precision agriculture and viticulture.


Part 2: POSITIONING (20h)
Radiolocation principles: general structure and merit factors of a radiolocation system, classification of radiolocation methods (Angle of Arrival, Time of Arrival, Time Difference of Arrival, etc.), impact of real propagation on the accuracy of the estimate.

Main technologies for radiolocation.
Introduction to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS. GPS operating principles. Architecture of GNSS systems and possible applications.

Radiolocation techniques based on cellular networks. Methods based on radio maps and fingerprinting.

Indoor location: use of WiFi, beacons, wireless sensor networks. High precision localization through UWB systems (outline). Multistatic radar systems for surveillance and detection of intrusions, detection and recognition of objects.

Hybrid techniques: assisted-GPS, wifi + barometer, Pedestrian Dead Reckoning through inertial sensors. Proximity detection via Bluetooth low-energy (BLE): the case of the Immuni app.

Air navigation applications: primary and secondary radar, VOR and DME, radio aids for landing (ILS). Use of GNSS for air navigation.

Readings/Bibliography

The Professors will provide students with lesson notes and powerpoint slides. All material will be made available on the Moodle/IOL platform.

Recommended textbooks:

• Brivio P.A., Lechi G., Zilioli E.: Principi e metodi di telerilevamento. Citta' Studi Edizioni, 2006.
• W. G. Rees, "Physical Principles of Remote Sensing", 3rd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
• F. T. Ulaby, D. G. Long, "Microwave Radar and Radiometric Remote Sensing", Artech House, 2015.
• R. M. Rauber, S. W. Nesbitt, "Radar Meteorology - A first course" Wiley, 2018.
• P. Misra, P. Enge, “Global Positioning System: Signals, Measurements, and Performance (Revised Second Edition)”, Ganga-Jamuna Press, 2012.

Further texbooks for consultation and study in depth of specific topics:

• G. Falciasecca, "Dopo Marconi il diluvio. Evoluzione nell'infosfera", Ed. Pendragon, 2016.
• Merrill Skolnik, "Radar Handbook", Third Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2008.
• F. Berizzi, "I sistemi di telerilevamento Radar", Apogeo, 2010.
  
• C. Elachi, J. Van Zyl, "Introduction to the physics and techniques of Remote Sensing", 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2006.
  
• Kuo-Nan Liou, "An Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation", Academic Press, 1980.
• P. Dong, Q. Chen, "LiDAR Remote Sensing and Applications", CRC Press, 2018
• Claus Weitkamp, "LIDAR : range-resolved optical remote sensing of the atmosphere", Springer, 2005.
• Vosselman G., Maas H.: Airborne and Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Whittles ed., 2010.
• A.I. Kozlov, L.P. Ligthart, A.I. Logvin, "Mathematical and physical modelling of microwave scattering and polarimetric remote sensing", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004.
  
• B. Hofmann-Wellenhof, H. Lichtenegger E. Wasle, "GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite Systems. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and more", Springer, 2007.
• P. D. Groves, "Principles of GNSS, Inertial, and Multisensor Integrated Navigation Systems", Artech House, 2008.
• S. Frattasi, F. Della Rosa, "Mobile Positioning and Tracking - From Conventional to Cooperative Techniques" 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2017.
• D. Dardari, E. Falletti, M. Luise, "Satellite and Terrestrial Radio Positioning Techniques: A Signal Processing Perspective", Academic Press, 2012.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures given by the professor, and exercises including a project done by the students.

 

Periodically during the course some lessons are carried out interactively (or in flip mode), raising questions that students must answer in relation to the program seen up to that moment

 

During the lessons applicative examples will be presented, and also numerical exercises similar to those required during the exam.

During the course at least one seminar will be held by exponents of the industrial world, operating in the field of remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and processing of satellite data.

Assessment methods

The final assessment consists in an oral examination divided into 3 questions, the first of which must be answered by the candidate in written form. The questions relate to the overall course program.

The first question (written) is aimed at solving a project / numerical problem and normally must be carried out in a maximum time of one hour. The use of books, handouts and calculation tools is allowed. The solution of the problem by the candidate is briefly discussed in the oral interview with the teacher who communicates the general evaluation to the student, before proceeding with the 2 following oral questions.

The final marks derive from the overall (average) evaluation of the answers to the 3 questions. Honors are given at the discretion of the teacher if the candidate answers all 3 questions correctly and without significant errors or inaccuracies, and also in the interview demonstrates an excellent capacity for critical analysis and an excellent ability to express the topics covered.

To be able to take the exam it is mandatory to register on ALMAEsami.

Criteria for the assigmnent of the final marks:

Poor knowledge of the topics of the course, inadequate capacity for critical analysis and analysis / solution of practical problems; incorrect or inappropriate expression will result in a negative evaluation. In case of insufficient marks, students will have to repeat the test.

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language → 18-19;

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to autonomous analysis only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language → 20-24;

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;

Excellent ability to critically analyze the topics covered and excellent ability to express and argue; excellent competence and ability to apply knowledge to practical problems independently → 30-30L.

Teaching tools

Slides of lessons, lecture notes, blackboard and projector / camera. Recording of the lessons with the possibility of listening to the contents of the lessons remotely.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Maria Vitucci

See the website of Vittorio Degli Esposti