# Introduction

Whether you are a researcher or operations planner, Earth Observation and Remote Sensing offer valuable tools for understanding and monitoring our planet. For example at the British Antarctic Survey, Earth Observation data is used extensively for monitoring different aspects of polar environments and planning safe travel.

**Earth Observation** **(EO)** refers to the use of remote sensing technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret data on the Earth's surface and atmosphere.

**Remote Sensing (RS)** is a key component of EO, referring to the use of sensors on aircraft or satellites to capture data from a distance

{% hint style="info" %}
This guide provides a curated list of online resources that can help you develop your skills and knowledge in EO, from basic concepts and applications to advanced techniques and tools. These resources are intended for self-learning, but if you have any immediate questions or problems to solve or any feedback, please feel free to contact the **Mapping and Geographic Information Centre** **(MAGIC)** team through [Helpdesk](https://magic-helpdesk.web.bas.ac.uk/), <magic@bas.ac.uk> or <aliska@bas.ac.uk>.
{% endhint %}

This overview is divided into four parts, each with a different focus and level of expertise:

[**Level 0**](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/level-0)**.** This section contains intros into EO and RS fundamentals, covering basic concepts such as the electromagnetic spectrum, types of sensors, and general directions of EO application. It is designed for individuals who are new to the field and want to gain a general understanding of EO and its potential applications.

[**Level 1**](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/level-1)**.** This section content covers the basics of optical remote sensing, including optical sensors (very high resolution (VHR) imagery, hyperspectral data), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). It is designed for individuals who want to understand the different types of satellite data available and their applications.

[**Level 2**](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/level-2). This section focuses on the practical applications of EO, covering a range of topics such as sea ice monitoring, agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and climate change. It is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of EO and want to explore how it can be applied to specific fields and industries.

[**Level 3**](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/level-3)**.** This section provides a range of resources for individuals who want to develop practical skills in EO and RS. It includes hands-on online courses, tutorials, and case studies, as well as data recipes that provide step-by-step instructions for processing and analyzing EO data. This section is designed for individuals with experience with EO and who want to develop hands-on skills and knowledge.

Alternatively, you can refer to [**the URL list**](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/url-reference) to find the content which suits you most.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/eo-training-resources/introduction.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.