Remote Sensing: Definition and Data Collection

Study Notes

Remote Sensing: Definition

Remote sensing is the science of measurement from a distance, obtaining information about an object using a sensor that is physically separated from the object.
It involves the acquisition of data from a distance, which can be used in various applications.

Data Collection

Remote sensing provides a regional view of large areas, allowing for the collection of data over a broad range of territories.
It offers repetitive looks at the same area, enabling the monitoring of changes over time.
Remote sensors can "see" over a broader portion of the spectrum than the human eye, and can focus on specific bandwidths in an image or multiple bandwidths simultaneously.

Advantages of Remote Sensing

Provides geo-referenced, digital data.
Some remote sensors operate in all seasons, at night, and in bad weather.

Who Uses Remote Sensing and Why

Geologists use remote sensing for minerals and oil prospecting.
Geographers use remote sensing to detect changes on the Earth's surface that need to be mapped.
Environmentalists use remote sensing to detect, identify, and follow the movement of pollutants.
Foresters use remote sensing to gather information about tree types and disease effects.
Farmers use remote sensing to monitor crop growth and effects of drought, floods, disease, or pests.
Ship captains use remote sensing to navigate through northern ice packs.
Firefighters use remote sensing to track the size and movement of forest fires.

Applications of Remote Sensing

Military operations
Geological mapping
Geomorphology
Hydrology
Oceanography
Vegetation
Archaeology
Agriculture
Urban planning
Landcover/landuse
Weather
Disaster management
Geological applications: surficial deposit/bedrock mapping, lithological mapping, structural mapping, sand and gravel exploration, mineral exploration, environmental geology, and baseline infrastructure

Passive and Active Systems

Passive systems detect radiation reflected from the target, while active systems emit radiation towards the target and detect the reflection.
Radar is an example of active remote sensing, used by police to measure vehicle speed.
A camera is an example of both passive and active remote sensing, depending on the lighting conditions.

Remote Sensing System

Aerial photography involves taking photographs of the ground from an airborne platform.
Photogrammetry involves making measurements and maps from photographs, especially from aerial surveying.
Photogeology involves using aerial photographs to interpret geologic features.

Remote Sensing Process

Energy Source (A)
Radiation and Atmosphere (B)
Interaction with Targets (C)
Recording energy by sensor (D)
Transmission and Reception (E)
Interpretation and Analysis (F)
Application (G)

Description

This quiz covers the basics of remote sensing, including its definition, data collection methods, and its applications. It provides an overview of how remote sensing is used to obtain information about an object or area from a distance.