Remote Sensing
Definition
Remote sensing is the science of collecting information about the Earth's surface without direct physical
contact.
It works by detecting reflected or emitted electromagnetic energy, then processing and analyzing it to obtain
useful information.
Basic Principle
• Different objects reflect, absorb, or emit different amounts of electromagnetic energy.
• The Sun is the main energy source for most remote sensing systems.
• Every object has a unique radiation pattern (reflection, emission, or absorption).
• A sensor records this energy.
• The recorded data are transmitted, processed into images, analyzed, and finally used for decision-making.
Basic Components
• Target
• Energy source
• Transmission path
• Sensor
Process of Remote Sensing
1. Energy Source/Illumination – Provides electromagnetic energy to the target.
2. Radiation & Atmosphere – Energy interacts with the atmosphere before and after reaching the target.
3. Interaction with Target – Energy interacts according to the target's properties.
4. Recording by Sensor – Sensor detects and records reflected or emitted energy.
5. Transmission & Processing – Data are transmitted to a processing station and converted into images.
6. Interpretation & Analysis – Images are analyzed to extract useful information.
7. Application – Information is used for understanding features and solving practical problems.
Types of Remote Sensing
Passive Remote Sensing
• Uses natural energy from the Sun.
• Detects reflected sunlight or naturally emitted thermal energy.
• Reflected energy can only be recorded during daytime.
• Thermal infrared energy can be detected day or night.
• Scanners are common passive sensors.
Active Remote Sensing
• Sensors produce their own energy and direct it toward the target.
• Measures the reflected energy from the target.
Advantages
◦ Works day and night.
◦ Weather-independent (can penetrate clouds, light rain, and snow).
◦ Can detect microwaves and soil moisture.
Limitation
◦ Requires a large amount of power and may be affected by other radiation sources.
Types of Image Resolution
1. Spatial Resolution
• Measures the smallest object visible on the ground.
• Depends on pixel size.
High spatial resolution:
◦ Small pixels.
◦ More pixels.
◦ Fine details visible.
Low spatial resolution:
◦ Large pixels.
◦ Fewer pixels.
◦ Only coarse features visible.
2. Radiometric Resolution
• Measures the sensor's ability to detect small differences in light intensity.
• Usually expressed in 8–16 bits.
• Higher radiometric resolution = greater sensitivity and more accurate images.
3. Spectral Resolution
• Measures the ability to distinguish different wavelength bands.
• Higher spectral resolution = narrower wavelength bands.
• Multispectral sensors record several wavelength bands.
• Hyperspectral sensors record hundreds of narrow bands, allowing better identification of different objects.
4. Temporal Resolution
• Measures how frequently images of the same area are captured.
• Shorter revisit time = higher temporal resolution.
• Useful for monitoring changes such as crop growth, vegetation, and environmental changes.
Applications of Remote Sensing
• Geology: Updates geological maps.
• Agriculture: Crop identification, crop area estimation, and improved productivity.
• Forestry: Forest cover mapping, fire and disease detection, biomass assessment.
• Land-use Mapping: Monitors land-use patterns and changes.
• Ocean & Coastal Studies: Identifies fishing zones and monitors coastal degradation.
• Environmental Monitoring: Assesses environmental impacts, including mining.
• Biodiversity: Studies species distribution and biodiversity status.
• Urban Planning: Helps in planning roads, pipelines, transport systems, and settlements.
• Disaster Management: Assesses damage caused by natural disasters.
Short Revision Note
• Remote sensing: Collecting Earth information without physical contact.
• Principle: Objects reflect/emit different electromagnetic energy.
• Components: Target, energy source, transmission path, sensor.
• Process (7 Steps): Energy → Atmosphere → Target → Sensor → Processing → Interpretation →
Application.
• Types: Passive (Sun's energy) & Active (Own energy source).
• Image Resolutions: Spatial, Radiometric, Spectral, Temporal (SRST).
• Major Applications: Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Land-use Mapping, Ocean Studies, Environmental
Monitoring, Biodiversity, Urban Planning, Disaster Assessment.