Exam -- Two written, open-book, take-home, exams, a mid-term and final, are given via webpages. The exams cover background information and general theory of aerial photography, as well as practical applications of small-format aerial photography (SFAF). Each exam is worth 20% of total grade.
Lab exercises -- Practical lab exercises are conducted on use and interpretation of aerial photographs. These may involve photogrammetry, digital scanning, image enhancement, and other techniques. Lab exercises are normally due one week after being given to the class. Late lab assignments may receive a grade penalty. Lab exercises represent 30% of total grade.
Field exercises -- Daily field trips will be taken during during spring break, March 13-21. The purpose is to practice methods of kite and blimp aerial photography. Field exercises may be conducted at various sites in Kansas and western Missouri, and northeastern Oklahoma. Several trips may be scheduled and taken, depending on weather conditions. Students in eastern Kansas and adjacent states are expected to participate in the field trips. Distance-learning students may arrange their own field exercises in consultation with the instructor (see below).
A short report, including processed imagery, is required for one of the field exercises. The report may take the form of a poster presentation (pdf or ppt format) or a webpage (html format). Please check instructions for preparation of student reports. Report is due by April 30th and represents 20% of grade.
Camera rig -- Students may build and operate their own basic camera rig for a kite, balloon, model airplane or other flying machine. This may be done in conjunction with field exercises or independently, and a short report could be submitted for this experience (see preceding item).
E-mail -- All students are expected to correspond with instructor via e-mail on a weekly basis. Furthermore, all students are expected to contribute items for the course blog. Class participation, including field trips, e-mail and blog, represents 10% of course grade.
The ESU student academic dishonesty policy is observed in this course.
Special Instructions for Distance-Learning Students
Distance-learning students must have access to Idrisi Taiga software for GIS and image processing of air photos. A "student starter" license is available for $95. This is the full software package with a one-year time limit. Comparable software is acceptable, but the instructor will not modify lab exercises for other software.
Those, who are unable to attend field trips in the Kansas region, can make special arrangements with your instructor for alternative experiences. SFAP from helicopter, small plane, balloon, tower, or other platforms will be accepted in place of class field trips. A short report must be submitted for the alternate activity, as noted above.
ADA statement: Emporia State University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services and the professor as early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. All communication between students, the Office of Disability Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.
Return to SFAP syllabus.