Elements of Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing (RS) involves collecting data about objects or phenomena without direct
contact. The process comprises several key elements:
1. Energy Source or Illumination
● Acts as the origin of electromagnetic (EM) energy used for sensing.
● Examples: Sun (passive source), artificial sources like radar or LiDAR (active sources).
2. Radiation and the Atmosphere
● Energy travels from the source to the target through the atmosphere.
● The atmosphere interacts with the energy through scattering, absorption, and
refraction, affecting the quality of the sensed data.
3. Interaction with the Target
● When energy reaches the target, it interacts in three ways:
○ Reflection: Energy bounces off the object’s surface.
○ Absorption: Object absorbs part of the energy.
○ Transmission: Energy passes through the object.
● The amount of energy reflected, absorbed, or transmitted depends on the object's
material and properties.
4. Recording of Energy by the Sensor
● Sensors detect and record reflected or emitted energy from the target.
● Types of sensors:
○ Passive Sensors: Record naturally available energy (e.g., optical sensors).
○ Active Sensors: Emit their energy and measure the reflected response (e.g.,
radar).
5. Data Transmission and Processing
● The sensor transmits recorded data to receiving stations, where it is converted into
digital formats.
● Preprocessing: Includes radiometric, geometric corrections, and noise removal.
6. Data Interpretation and Analysis
● Processed data is interpreted using visual or computer-aided techniques.
● Examples: Pattern recognition, thematic classification, and object identification.
7. Applications
● Extracted information is used for applications like land-use mapping, disaster
management, and resource monitoring.
Electromagnetic Spectrum in Brief
The Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) refers to the range of all types of electromagnetic
radiation, categorized based on wavelength and frequency.
●
Main Regions of EMS in Remote Sensing
Region Wavelength Applications
Range
Ultraviolet (UV) 0.01 - 0.4 µm Atmospheric studies, detecting ozone.
Visible 0.4 - 0.7 µm Observing vegetation, water, urban areas.
Infrared (IR) 0.7 - 100 µm Thermal imaging, vegetation health.
Microwave 1 mm - 1 m Weather monitoring, radar applications.
Radio Waves >1m Communication, long-distance
observations.
Key aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum in remote sensing:
1. Atmospheric windows: Not all electromagnetic radiation reaches Earth's surface.
The atmosphere absorbs gamma rays, X-rays, and most UV light. Certain parts of
the spectrum, known as "atmospheric windows," allow radiation to pass through.
2. Visible light: This is the portion of the spectrum detectable by the human eye and
is essential for remote sensing.
3. Infrared: While most infrared radiation is blocked by the atmosphere, some
passes through and can be detected by satellite sensors.
4. Microwave: This portion of the spectrum is useful for remote sensing
applications.
5. Interaction with Earth's surface: Different objects and surfaces reflect or emit
energy in various electromagnetic bands in different quantities, allowing for their
identification and analysis.
6. Passive and active sensors: Remote sensing instruments can be passive (using
natural energy from the Sun) or active (providing their own source of
illumination).
Understanding the electromagnetic spectrum and its interactions with the atmosphere
and Earth's surface is fundamental to remote sensing applications in various fields,
including land-use mapping, weather forecasting, and environmental studies