Earth Observation:
Data, Processing and Applications

This series of publications describes Earth Observation (EO) data, processing and applications in an Australian context and includes a wide range of local case studies to demonstrate Australia’s increasing usage of EO data. These electronic texts substantially update previous books published by CSIRO and MPA (Harrison and Jupp, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993), which were written to support users of the microBRIAN Image Processing system and used as tertiary texts throughout Australasia for over a decade.

Earth Observation: Data, Processing and Applications comprises three volumes which aim to:

  • Consolidate EO teaching resources in Australia;
  • Encourage a greater number of tertiary courses involving EO in Australia; and
  • Promulgate Australia’s growing dependence on EO data.

Since the release of the first sub-volume by CRCSI in 2016, these publications have been updated periodically. The most recent revisions can be freely downloaded below. Readers are invited to email any comments, corrections or potential updates to EO Publications. The next revision of Volume 1 is planned for release in 2026.

Volume 1: Data

Volume 1 outlines the basics of EO in terms of energy sources, data acquisition, sampling characteristics, and image availability. Discussion focuses on the scientific foundations of EO. This volume also considers the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with various targets and media, as relevant to understanding optical, thermal, passive microwave and radar imagery.

Volume 1 comprises three sub-volumes:

Volume 1

Complete Volume 1 (Introductory Pages+1A+1B+1X)

Low resolution [51.3 MB]
High resolution [147.2 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 1A—Basics and Acquisition

Introduces the scientific foundations of EO and describes the basics of data acquisition in terms of energy sources, platforms and sensors

Low resolution [26.2 MB]
High resolution [110.8 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 1B—Image Interpretation

Details image characteristics, EMR interactions, and image interpretation and usage

Low resolution [24.8 MB]
High resolution [73.9 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 1X—Appendices

Collates relevant data sources and provide further information on photographic products and reflectance measurement

Low resolution [2.5 MB]
High resolution [9.6 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2: Processing

Volume 2 describes various processing options involved with image representation, analysis, transformation, integration, classification and modelling, including details of relevant algorithms, with emphasis on their underlying mathematical and statistical principles.

Volume 2 comprises six sub-volumes:

Volume 2

Complete Volume 2 (Introductory Pages+2A+2B+2C+2D+2X)

Low resolution [63.7 MB]
High resolution [289.7 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2A—Basic Image Operations

Introduces EO image formats and details basic processing operations

Low resolution [19.7 MB]
High resolution [83.5 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2B—Image Rectification

Describes concepts and processes for correcting EO image geometry

Low resolution [15.8 MB]
High resolution [68.8 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2C—Image Transformations

Details a range of image transformations commonly used with EO imagery

Low resolution [8.0 MB]
High resolution [82.8 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2D—Image Integration

Considers methods that integrate EO imagery with other spatial datasets

Low resolution [18.7 MB]
High resolution [42.2 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 2E—Image Classification

Provides extensive background information for classifying EO images

Available 2026

Volume 2X—Appendices

Details underlying mathematics for a range of models relevant to EO image processing

Low resolution [3.7 MB]
High resolution [12.6 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 3: Applications

Volume 3 introduces the Australian terrestrial and aquatic environments, and covers a broad range of application areas reliant on EO data. Specific case studies are included to demonstrate individual applications.

Volume 3 currently comprises two sub-volumes:

Volume 3

Complete Volume 3 (Introductory Pages+3A+3B)

Low resolution [94.1 MB]
High resolution [206.1 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 3A—Terrestrial Vegetation

Details the use of EO methods to map, monitor and model vegetation growing on land

Low resolution [41.7 MB]
High resolution [97.6 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Volume 3B—Surface Waters

Introduces EO principles and methods for understanding and monitoring our surface water resources

Low resolution [52.2 MB]
High resolution [107.9 MB]

Latest Revision: October 2025

Development of these publications was sponsored by: