ESSO - Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

(An Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India)
Home ITCOocean Short Course on Introduction to Ocean Dynamics with practical hands-on exercises

Ocean Remote Sensing and GIS—Conceptual Understanding with Practical Applications
during 01-12 September 2025
Organized by
International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.

Overview:

The two-week training Program offers an in-depth, hands-on learning journey tailored for students, researchers, professionals, and specialists committed to advancing their expertise in ocean remote sensing and geospatial information systems (GIS). It emphasises the oceans' vital role and resource management. Through a carefully structured curriculum, participants begin with fundamental theories—including remote sensing principles and spatial data generation—and progress to sophisticated, practical applications such as analysing satellite data for oceanographic phenomena, coastal monitoring, and environmental assessments. This immersive Program equips attendees with the technical skills and conceptual insights necessary to innovate and contribute meaningfully to marine science.

Aims and objectives:

  • Develop a strong grounding in remote sensing principles relevant to oceanography.
  • Familiarise participants with GIS concepts and the unique handling of spatial data.
  • Bridge the gap between theory and practice through hands-on sessions and case studies.
  • Empower participants to apply technology for real-world challenges such as marine ecosystem monitoring, resource mapping, and coastal management.
  • Course structure and Content:

      Week 1: Foundations

      • Introduction to Remote Sensing: Participants will explore the principles of remote sensing, electromagnetic spectrum fundamentals, and sensor technologies employed in ocean observation.
      • Understanding Spatial Data: Differences between traditional and spatial data will be unravelled, emphasising their significance in oceanographic studies.
      • Satellite Oceanography: An overview of key satellite missions and the data types (e.g., sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, altimetry) they provide for marine science.
      • Basics of GIS: Introduction to GIS, spatial data models (vector and raster), and data integration techniques for ocean applications.
      • Week 2: Applications and Practice

        • Data Analysis and Interpretation: Participants engage in retrieving, processing, and analysing satellite datasets, focusing on marine environments.
        • Thematic Mapping and Visualisation: Creating thematic maps, visualising ocean currents, temperature fields, and chlorophyll distributions using GIS software.
        • Integrated Case Studies: Real-world examples such as monitoring harmful algal blooms, oil spills, and coastal zone management are incorporated to demonstrate end-to-end workflows.
        • Hands-on Sessions: Interactive labs introduce open-source Geospatial tools, guiding participants through data acquisition, image processing, and result interpretation.
        • Project Development: Attendees undertake mini-projects or group exercises to tackle selected ocean remote sensing problems, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking.
        • Course outcomes:

          Upon completion, participants will:

          • Possess a holistic understanding of ocean remote sensing and GIS concepts.
          • Be proficient in handling and analysing spatial data for oceanic applications.
          • Gain practical skill sets in data processing, thematic mapping, and result communication.
          • Be prepared to address contemporary marine science, policy, and management challenges using state-of-the-art geospatial technologies.
          • Conclusion:

            • This training Program fosters a new generation of ocean data experts, equipped to leverage remote sensing and GIS for sustainable marine resource management and environmental stewardship. The curriculum’s balance of conceptual rigour and practical engagement ensures that participants are ready to make meaningful contributions in academia, research, industry, and government.
            • Target Audience:

              The target audience for this course:

              • Students, researchers, and professionals keen to deepen their understanding of ocean remote sensing and geospatial information systems (GIS). Who are ready to make meaningful contributions in academia, research, industry, and government.
              • Course Fees:

                • There is no course-fee. However, registration is required.

                • Application Process :

                  Please fill the online application form: Link

                  Period for Applications: 24th July - 20th August, 2025

                  Applications closing on : August 20th, 2024 05:00 PM IST (GMT +05:30)

                  Certificate: At the end of the course each successful participant will be provided with a certificate.

                  Programme Dates: 01-12 September, 2025

                  Venue:

                  The training course offers both physical and online participation options, allowing participants to choose the most suitable mode.

                  • The venue for physical participation is:
                  • International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean),
                    Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS),
                    Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India,
                    "Ocean Valley", Pragathi Nagar (B.O), Nizampet (S.O),
                    Hyderabad - 500 090, INDIA

                    Faculty:

                    • Dr Aneesh Lotliker , INCOIS
                    • Dr Mahendra R S, INCOIS
                    • Dr. Srinivas Rao N, INCOIS
                    • Dr Alakes Samanta, INCOIS
                    • Mr Chandrashekhar V, INCOIS
                    • Mr. Shiva Kumar , INCOIS
                    • For any queries please contact:

                      • For any queries related to this course,
                        contact: Dr. T V S Udaya Bhaskar
                        Head, Ocean Data Management (ODM) &
                        Programme Planning and Coordination Group (PPC)
                        E-mail: itcoocean@incois.gov.in/uday@incois.gov.in

                      Schedule of Course:

                      The schedule of the course will be annouced soon!!!