Hello! I’m Michael Engel, a doctoral candidate at the Chair of Remote Sensing Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). My journey is a blend of scientific curiosity and a deep appreciation for the beauty of our planet, which I express through artistic satellite imagery.

The idea of “Remote Sensations” stems from my lifelong fascination with the intersection of science and leisure. Before joining the chair, I was already using digital elevation models and aerial images for hiking, ski touring, and paragliding. My work in remote sensing brought these geodata from the outdoors to my desk, where I work extensively with satellite data, particularly from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, which delivers about 11 terabytes of data daily. A few years ago, however, I noticed that there’s art in that. So I began curating the most beautiful and characteristic satellite images as an after-work activity. This hobby evolved into a passion, merging “science and leisure” into “science and art,” both now integral parts of my life.

My doctoral research focuses on predicting and analyzing natural events, such as river discharges, or groundwater levels and the anthropogenic impacts on them. I aim to optimize and interpret the ‘setting screws’ of physical or data-driven models in a robust and physically meaningful way using multiresolution analysis techniques. This scientific precision also influences my choice of images, as I strive to artistically depict the essence of our Earth while providing scientifically accurate information.

As mentioned, a significant part of my professional motivation comes from my fascination with outdoor activities. The Earth is the greatest artist, whether viewed from above through satellite images or experienced directly on its surface. As a tour guide for the German Alpine Club (DAV) and Central University Sports (ZHS) at TUM, I want to bring people closer to nature and so does “Remote Sensations”. This combination of science, art, and direct experience of nature is the perfect balance for me.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my work inspires you to rediscover the fascinating diversity and beauty of our planet. But most important: keep your enthusiasm!