High Resolution Thermal Imaging Data at the forefront of Earth Observation Research and Services

This project will develop new methods to study the changing land surface temperature (LST) of the Earth’s surface, a need recognised to be very important by international space agencies and environmental scientists. A major challenge for Earth Observation (EO) is to understand the relative influence of global and local effects within the Earth system. Increasing human population and activities contributes very short-term local effects that can have significant long-term global effects. Multi-scale measurements are therefore required in order to understand how these changes are affecting our environment. Thermal variations in particular are important to isolate, as they contribute and invariably drive the overall energy balance at the surface with consequences for disruptive influence from climate change to urban meteorology to hydrological controls on agriculture.

This project offers the student the opportunity to work on an acknowledged frontier science topic which is being driven by the exciting new science of LST as a climate indicator and as an expression of environmental change. To understand better the thermal balance of the surface, we need both accurate high-resolution LST (< 0.5 K) measurement at local (< 100 m) scales, for example, to resolve crop fields and urban districts. This involves novel algorithms for simultaneous determination of LST and surface composition (emissivity) and new instrumentation to enable this to happen routinely. Fortunately, there is an excellent starting point by working on data from the Japanese satellite instrument ASTER and understanding its performance; ASTER provides some very good observations but only for some locations around the world.

The project offers an excellent route to publications of topical science, work with leading world-class groups in temperature measurements for environmental science and a broad exposure to new techniques including instrumentation. Our CASE partner, Airbus UK, is actively working on new thermal infra-red instrumentation and space agencies are looking to fly next generation sensors with performances that allow LST and emissivity to be derived globally and in continuous service. Thus the student would be working on projects that aim to make a step change in improvement from the current Landsat instruments operated by the United States.

This project seeks solutions to science-driven problems in LST data. Progress will be achieved through a state-of-the-art optimal estimation (OE) methodology for simultaneous retrieval of both LST and Land Surface Emissivity (LSE) tested against AI methods; outside of Leicester current methods are limited to semi-empirical approaches for individual estimation. The new approach will be generalised to apply to both existing sensors and new thermal infra-red sensors, continuing the leading nature of our LST research.
The project will carry out testing of the methods on both simulations and real data from hyperspectral aircraft measurements (as well as the new Ecostress instrument to be flown by NASA on the International Space Station or ISS). Once verified, the new scheme will be used to identify the design performances of new satellite sensors, working with Airbus, and key characteristics that will ensure a successful space mission.

This project has been solicited by the designated Case Supervisor, Paolo D’Arrigo, at Airbus UK to enable shared research and development needs in LST. By working with University of Leicester teams, the CASE partner is assured of world-leading expertise supporting their efforts to develop leading sensors. They are interested in galvanizing downstream exploitation of data and upstream sensor technology development to meet the subsequent need. Through the CASE award, the student will spend dedicated time, typically 2 to 3 months per year, working directly with the CASE partner.

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject. The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.

How to apply
Please refer to the CENTA Studentship application information on our website for details of how to apply.

As part of the application process you will need to:
• Complete a CENTA Funding form – to be uploaded to your PhD application
• Complete and submit your PhD application online. Indicate project CENTA2-PHY5-REME in the funding section.
• Complete an online project selection form Apply for CENTA2-PHY5-REME