Students from the EAGLE MSc program recently presented their Earth Observation research during a conference-style poster session at our EORC, showcasing projects developed from our intensive winter fieldwork conducted at the Schneefernerhaus Environmental Research Station (UFS) on Zugspitze.
Before presenting their results, the students had to spent several days in the high-alpine environment of Zugspitze collecting field data under demanding winter conditions. The campaign provided hands-on experience in applied Earth Observation workflows, combining traditional field measurements with modern remote sensing technologies such as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and satellite-based observations.
Working in snow-covered alpine terrain allowed students to directly experience the practical challenges of EO field campaigns, from operating sensors in cold and rapidly changing weather conditions to planning data acquisition in complex mountainous environments. The field exercises focused on snow and landscape analysis, including snow depth mapping, terrain characterization, and multi-scale observation strategies integrating UAS and space-borne sensor data.
The collected datasets later formed the basis for the students’ scientific poster presentations at EORC, where they communicated their methods, analyses, and findings in a concise conference-style format.
An important learning objective of the exercise extended beyond the technical analysis itself. Students were also trained in how to communicate scientific results effectively to a larger audience through poster design and oral presentation. Developing the posters required them to distill complex Earth Observation workflows into clear visual narratives, balancing scientific rigor with concise communication.
During the presentation session, students discussed their approaches and results with researchers and peers, strengthening their ability to explain technical EO concepts, defend methodological choices, and engage in scientific discussion.
The combination of alpine winter fieldwork, UAS and satellite-based Earth Observation analysis, and scientific communication training reflects the applied and interdisciplinary character of the EAGLE MSc program. By linking field observations, remote sensing technologies, and presentation skills, students gain practical experience that prepares them for future scientific and operational EO applications in challenging real-world environments.
