Remote Sensing
The science of acquiring information about a surface without physically being in contact with it
Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about a surface without physically being in contact with it. The most common example of remote sensing is aerial photography however there are hundreds of applications ranging from space-borne satellites to under-ground geophysical systems.
My experience with remote sensing dates back to my days at Acadia University, during my geomorphology classes ( study of the physical features of the surface of the earth and their relation to its geological structures), which lead me to attend the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) where I obtained an advanced graduate diplomas in remote sensing and applied geomatics research.
Much of the material in the remote sensing part of my website originated from my original online portfolio that I used to further my career, therefore you will find that it includes helpful resources, information about remote sensing and various samples.
“Remote sensing is the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the Earth’s surface without actually being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information.”
In much of remote sensing, the process involves an interaction between incident radiation and the targets of interest. This is exemplified by the use of imaging systems where the following seven elements are involved. Note, however that remote sensing also involves the sensing of emitted energy and the use of non-imaging sensors.
1. Energy Source or Illumination (A) – the first requirement for remote sensing is to have an energy source which illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the target of interest.
2. Radiation and the Atmosphere (B) – as the energy travels from its source to the target, it will come in contact with and interact with the atmosphere it passes through. This interaction may take place a second time as the energy travels from the target to the sensor.
3. Interaction with the Target (C) – once the energy makes its way to the target through the atmosphere, it interacts with the target depending on the properties of both the target and the radiation.
4. Recording of Energy by the Sensor (D) – after the energy has been scattered by, or emitted from the target, we require a sensor (remote – not in contact with the target) to collect and record the electromagnetic radiation.
5. Transmission, Reception, and Processing (E) – the energy recorded by the sensor has to be transmitted, often in electronic form, to a receiving and processing station where the data are processed into an image (hard copy and/or digital).
6. Interpretation and Analysis (F) – the processed image is interpreted, visually and/or digitally or electronically, to extract information about the target which was illuminated.
7. Application (G) – the final element of the remote sensing process is achieved when we apply the information we have been able to extract from the imagery about the target in order to better understand it, reveal some new information, or assist in solving a particular problem.
These seven elements comprise the remote sensing process from beginning to end.
The above excerpt came from the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing’s Fundamentals of Remote Sensing tutorial. The images in the publication are a little somewhat dated, but the concepts and content are still relevant. Click here to download the full Fundamentals of Remote Sensing tutorial.
[Source: Natural Resources Canada]
Much of the material in the remote sensing part of my website originated from my original online portfolio that I used to further my career.
Since then it has morphed into more of a resources section related to remote sensing that includes helpful information about remote sensing, including various related books, images, maps, data and much more.
(Use the search tools to find remote sensing related material on this site or browse some of the latest additions using the links below).