Programme overview
Study sensor physics, observation principles and satellite imagery to extract information about the Earth. Process, classify and validate observation data in environmental, water, marine and polar applications. Advanced study develops multi-source and multi-scale analysis, parameter estimation, time series and reproducible scientific validation.
ESAS Paris — Paris College of Aeronautics and Space. Duration: 3 years.
Bachelor study progresses from foundations and guided exercises to integrated applied projects.
Study pathways
Environmental remote sensing; marine observation; polar and cryosphere observation. All pathways share a common core. Indicate your preferred pathway when applying; actual availability is confirmed before admission.
Learning outcomes
• Develop physics and sensing skills in electromagnetic foundations and observation principles, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop image processing skills in correction, registration and quality checks, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop information extraction skills in classification, indices and change detection, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop spatial analysis skills in gis, statistics and ground reference data, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop thematic observation skills in ecosystems, water, oceans, snow and ice, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop practical validation skills in observation products, accuracy and reporting, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
Learning content and competency modules
| Module | Learning content | Assessment evidence |
| Physics and sensing | Electromagnetic foundations and observation principles | Problem definition and reasoned analysis |
| Image processing | Correction, registration and quality checks | Reproducible case or model documentation |
| Information extraction | Classification, indices and change detection | Quality and traceability records |
| Spatial analysis | GIS, statistics and ground reference data | Comparison of options and testing evidence |
| Thematic observation | Ecosystems, water, oceans, snow and ice | Project plan and collaboration records |
| Practical validation | Observation products, accuracy and reporting | Integrated report and oral defence |
Study progression
• Year 1: develop foundations, reading, analytical communication and guided cases.
• Year 2: deepen specialist methods through pathway projects and evaluation of results.
• Year 3: integrate methods in a final applied project, portfolio and oral defence.
Projects and practice
Process a public Earth-observation dataset, extract a thematic product and assess accuracy against reference evidence.
Document the problem, working process, personal contribution, validation evidence and limitations. Individual contributions are assessed within team projects. Placements and external projects depend on actual arrangements.
Teaching and assessment
Theory, computational laboratories, system simulations, data workshops and project reviews use public, synthetic or authorised information. The programme focuses on scientific and civilian applications.
Assignments, case or laboratory work, staged projects and the final defence assess accuracy, methods, evidence quality, practical reliability and communication. Assessment weightings, reassessment and extension rules are published before teaching begins. Moodle may support resources, assignments, quizzes and feedback; specialist practical activities are assessed separately.
Entry requirements
Provide evidence of secondary education or equivalent study. Bachelor applicants should demonstrate mathematics and physics foundations. Master applicants should explain relevant engineering, computing, geography or scientific study. Requirements are assessed against the chosen programme.
Submit education evidence, transcripts, a CV, a motivation statement and any requested project materials. Teaching language, language evidence and document-translation requirements are published for the intake. Website language does not determine teaching language.
Completion and award documentation
Complete the required modules and assessments, final project and oral defence, and the published practice and academic-integrity requirements. The exact award title, awarding institution, nature and recognition scope are specified in programme information and the study agreement before formal admission.
Career development
Remote-sensing processing assistant; Earth-observation data support; environmental observation analysis. Employment depends on individual skills, experience and employer requirements. Regulated work requires the applicable qualifications and authorisations. Further study is assessed by the receiving institution.