PhD Student Position in SAR Interferometry/Tomography ETH Zürich

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_z8iB6dwPZotqZhGZ9t

The Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Group, Institute of Environmental Engineering, at ETH Zurich is seeking a PhD student for a research project on Interferometric / Tomographic Techniques in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Remote Sensing to Monitor Surface Displacements starting from autumn/winter 2020/2021.

Job description

The research focuses on investigating methods and algorithms in the context of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) multibaseline interferometry and SAR tomography for space-based monitoring of ground-surface displacements. By using repeat-pass SAR interferometry, deformation measurements at cm/mm level over longer time spans can be obtained for extended areas. SAR interferometry therefore complements point-based measurement techniques such as observations with total station theodolites, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based, or levelling-based measurements of surface displacements.

Mountainous areas with large topographic variations are prone to various geohazards. At the same time, mountainous areas are challenging to monitor with SAR interferometry due to strong and relatively small-scale spatiotemporal variations in the tropospheric conditions, obstructed views (layover and shadow), partial snow or vegetation cover, and other surface processes.

The research builds upon previous work performed in our group and aims at improving the spatiotemporal coverage, the precision, and the automated generation of spaceborne-radar-based maps of surface displacements in mountainous areas.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding a master's degree or a diploma in electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, geophysics, physics or a related field with a background in digital signal processing and/or image processing. Previous experience in SAR signal processing or another field of array signal processing is an asset. The successful candidate has strong analytical skills and programming experience in Matlab, Python, C/C++, or equivalent, and is capable to develop and implement signal-processing algorithms in such a programming language. Fluency in English is required (oral and written), and it is essential that the candidate is willing to work in a multidisciplinary and international research team. Applicants should hold a valid driver's license (European Cat. B).

We are offering a position in an attractive research environment within a young, highly motivated, and international research team.

Vineesh V
Assistant Professor of Geography,
Directorate of Education,
Government of Kerala.
https://www.facebook.com/Applied.Geography
http://geogisgeo.blogspot.com

Comments

Kuhn’s Paradigms

The given content explains Thomas S. Kuhn’s model of scientific development , its application to geography, and criticisms by Karl Popper, Paul Feyerabend, Michel Foucault , and others. 1. Basic Idea Kuhn argued that science does not develop continuously in a straight line . Instead, scientific development occurs through: Preparadigm → Paradigm → Normal Science → Crisis → Scientific Revolution → New Paradigm A new paradigm may replace an older one, producing a major change in the way scientists understand and study a subject. Concepts and Terminologies Concept / Term Simple Meaning Paradigm A commonly accepted framework/model that guides scientific research Exemplar A successful concrete problem-solution used as a model for future research Disciplinary Matrix Shared beliefs, values, concepts, methods and techniques of a scientific community Preparadig...

Regional Geography, Systematic Geography, Idiographic, Nomothetic, Inductive and Deductive Approaches

T wo major ways of studying Geography : the Regional Approach and the Systematic Approach . It also explains the related ideas of idiographic vs. nomothetic and inductive vs. deductive reasoning , especially in the context of the Hartshorne–Schaefer debate . 1. Regional Geography: “All About One” Regional Geography studies one particular region in detail . A region is an area that has some degree of homogeneity (sameness) within its boundary but is also unique or different from other regions . For example, if we study Palakkad District , we may study: Relief and drainage Climate Soil Vegetation Agriculture Population Occupation Economy Culture Political characteristics The purpose is to understand the complete geographical personality of Palakkad and the relationships among its different features. Key concepts Region: A geographical area with identifiable characteristics and boundaries. Homogeneity: Si...

Models and Theories in Geography

Geographical Models A model is a simplified representation of reality used to describe, explain, simulate, and predict geographical phenomena. Types Physical (Iconic) Models – Three-dimensional representations (e.g., globe, relief model). Conceptual Models – Diagrams or frameworks explaining geographical relationships. Mathematical (Quantitative) Models – Equations and statistical models for spatial analysis and prediction. Simulation Models – Computer-based models that simulate geographical processes (e.g., climate, flood, urban growth). Major Geographical Models Model Scholar Year Concept Johann Heinrich von Thünen Agricultural Land Use Model 1826 Land use varies with distance from the market. Walter Christaller Central Place Model 1933 Distribution of settlements and services. Ernest Burgess Concentric Zone M...

Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging Systems

The main idea is how a remote-sensing sensor collects information about an area . A sensor does not simply take an ordinary photograph. It measures the electromagnetic energy reflected or emitted by objects in different wavelength bands . Depending on how many bands are measured and how the sensor collects them, different imaging systems are used. 1. Multispectral vs. Hyperspectral Multispectral imaging (MSI) records information in a limited number of relatively broad, separate spectral bands , such as blue, green, red, near-infrared and shortwave infrared. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) records information in many narrow and usually contiguous spectral bands . Therefore, it provides a much more detailed spectral signature of each pixel. The resulting dataset is commonly called a hyperspectral data cube (hypercube) because it contains: X-axis → spatial information Y-axis → spatial information Z-axis → wavelength/spectral information Thus, hype...

Kuhn’s model in Geography

Thomas Kuhn (1922–1996) Thomas Samuel Kuhn was an American philosopher and historian of science . In 1962 , he published The Structure of Scientific Revolutions , introducing the concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift , which transformed the understanding of scientific progress. Definition: A framework of assumptions, concepts, and values that guide a group or field. Example (Science): Moving from a-earth-centered universe to a sun-centered solar system is a change in the scientific paradigm. Example (Daily Life): A shared cultural belief or a standard way of doing business. Kuhn's Model (1962) Kuhn's Model explains that science develops through successive paradigms rather than by continuous, gradual progress. Stages of Kuhn's Model Pre-paradigm Stage – No common theory; different ideas exist. Normal Science – Scientists work within an accepted paradigm . Crisis – Anom...

Vineesh V, Geography

Search This Blog