INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

Google Earth Engine (GEE)

March 17, 2026 | 10:00 - 16:00 | Classroom

Workshop Materials

GEE Introduction

Getting started with the Javascript API and planetary-scale analysis.

Script Repository

Access the shared classroom script folder for GEE.

📚 Required Readings

Google Earth Engine Platform

Cloud-based geospatial analysis and the GEE data catalog.

📖 RS eBook - Chapter 9
GEE JavaScript API

Working with ImageCollections, reducers, and map visualizations.

📖 RS eBook - Chapter 10

Workshop Schedule

Morning Session Basics & Visualization

Importing data, filtering collections, and basic visualization.

Afternoon Session Analysis & Exports

Reducers, charting, and exporting results for reports.

📝 Key Concepts for the Exam

Standard GEE Workflow Pattern
  1. Define AOI: Use ee.Geometry or draw directly on the map.
  2. Select Collection: e.g., 'LANDSAT/LC08/C02/T1_L2' for Landsat 8 Level-2.
  3. Filter: .filterDate(), .filterBounds(aoi), .filter(ee.Filter.lt('CLOUD_COVER', 20)).
  4. Pre-process: Apply scaling factors, cloud masking (QA_PIXEL band).
  5. Compute: Calculate indices (NDVI, NDWI) or generate composites using .median().
  6. Visualize: Map.addLayer() with visualization parameters (min, max, palette).
  7. Export: Export.image.toDrive() to save as GeoTIFF.
Core GEE Concepts
  • ImageCollection: A stack of images. Filter by date/bounds/cloud, then reduce (e.g., median composite) to collapse into a single cloud-free image.
  • Server-side vs. Client-side: GEE processes on Google's servers. ee.Image is server-side. Use .getInfo() sparingly.
  • Cloud Masking: Mandatory before computing indices. Clouds produce artificially low NDVI. Use QA_PIXEL (Landsat) or SCL (Sentinel-2) to flag and remove cloud pixels.