The PhD project will contribute to the retrieval of EO based Essential Variables (EVs) with multisensory analytics able to exploit active and passive space-borne Remote Sensing (RS) in conjunction with extensive field measurements to develop Land Use – Land Cover thematic products associated to the concept of ‘Live Cover’. EO based scientific knowledge will bridge the geospatial analyses, ecology and geomorphology to the field measurements and will support novel applications in different sectors, enhancing the reliability of the existing EO - EVs product portfolio and ensuring the most effective use of data from multiple space-based missions. A synthesized understanding of the dynamics and interactions of the changes over the Southeast Asia can provide advanced insights into processes that may exacerbate impacts on the biophysical and socio-economic systems across multiple land use sectors from natural forests and wetlands to rural/agricultural regions, and to urban areas. Expected PhDs results are related to the provision of accurate spatial thematic products representing landscape fragmentation changes; the improvement in the knowledge on the use of passive optical sensors in synergies with active SAR data to overcome spatial, temporal and atmospheric limitations and new calibration and validation field spectral libraries.

Experience in environmental remote sensing analysis, in the use of earth observation data and experience in the use of programming languages would be an asset. A good knowledge of Italian or of another language would be an asset.

The research team consists of principal investigator, senior researchers, post docs and PhD students from distinct cultural and knowledge backgrounds (e.g., geography, geology, geomorphology, natural sciences, ecology, engineering, social and communication sciences). The team operates in a stimulating and collaborative research environment, where equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential principles. Indeed, the research environment is a young and dynamic environment that offers opportunities for integration, professional development and personal rewards.