Craig Coburn serves as Full Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Lethbridge, where he has advanced from Assistant Professor (2002) to Associate Professor (2009) and Full Professor (2019). With over 20 years of remote sensing expertise, his work centers on fundamental physics of optical remote sensing, particularly surface bidirectional reflectance properties and low-cost instrument development for agricultural and environmental applications. His academic foundation includes: B.Sc. (Honours) in Geography from University of Saskatchewan (1994) M.Sc. in Geography from University of Alberta (1996) Ph.D. in Geography/Remote Sensing from Simon Fraser University (2002) Dr. Coburn's research spans remote sensing physics , instrumentation , and image processing , with pioneering work in bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) characterization. He has designed world-leading goniometers for surface reflectance measurement and developed affordable camera systems for UAVs, aircraft, and high-altitude balloons. His focus on low-cost remote sensing solutions enables global calibration of satellite instruments while advancing agricultural monitoring and ecological studies, particularly in riparian zones. Current efforts explore novel image processing techniques for complex spatial-spectral data structures. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal expanding applications in forest disturbance mapping, satellite calibration validation, air quality monitoring, and post-fire ecosystem recovery. Key trends include multi-sensor time-series analysis for environmental change detection, vicarious calibration using Railroad Valley test sites, and global particulate matter characterization – demonstrating his transition from foundational physics to operational environmental solutions. No scientific awards were explicitly documented in the source materials. Dr. Coburn has secured significant research funding including: Riparian Cottonwood Forests Study (Alberta Ingenuity Centre, $250,000/3yrs) examining environmental dynamics with Derek Peddle and Stewart Rood Cattle Wintering Sites Monitoring (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, $45,000/3yrs) as Principal Investigator Rocky Mountain Watershed Analysis (Alberta Ingenuity Centre, $318,000/3yrs) with Derek Peddle and Matthew Letts Previous work included Mountain Pine Beetle detection (2005) and National Land Information System ground truthing (2006). His laboratory specializes in BRDF instrumentation, maintaining advanced goniometer systems for surface reflectance measurement and developing UAV-deployable sensors for agricultural and ecological applications. As Past President of the Western Canadian Association of Geographers and Associate Editor of the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, he actively shapes the remote sensing community while leading the NSERC CREATE AMETHYST training program.





