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UNIT I
REMOTE SENSING

DEFINITION AND PROCESS OF REMOTE SENSING

INTRODUCTION
Now-a-days the field of Remote Sensing and GIS has become exciting and glamorous
withrapidly expanding opportunities. Many organizations spend large amounts of money on these
fields. Here the question arises why these fields are so important in recent years. Two main
reasons are there behind this. 1) Now-a-days scientists, researchers, students, and evencommon
people are showing great interest for better understanding of our environment. Byenvironment
we mean the geographic space of their study area and the events that take place there. In other
words, we have come to realize that geographic space along with the datadescribing it, is part
of our everyday world; almost every decision we take is influenced or dictated by some fact of
geography. 2) Advancement in sophisticated space technology (which can provide large volume
of spatial data), along with declining costs of computerhardware and software (which can
handle these data) has made Remote Sensing and G.I.S. affordable to not only complex
environmental / spatial situation but also affordable to anincreasingly wider audience.

REMOTE SENSING AND ITS COMPONENTS:

Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about the Earth's surface
without being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recordingreflected or emitted energy
and processing, analyzing, and applying that information." In much of remote sensing, the
process involves an interaction between incident adiation and the targets of interest. This
is exemplified using imaging systems where the following seven elements are involved.
However, that remote sense also involves the sensing of emitted energy and the use of non-
imaging sensors.

Fig 1.1- Components of Remote Sensing

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• Energy Source or Illumination (A) – the first requirement for remote sensing is to have
anenergy source which illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the target of
interest.

• 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
interactionmay take place a second time as the energy travels from the target to the sensor.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (hardcopy and/or digital).
• Interpretation and Analysis (F) - the processed image is interpreted, visually and/or
digitally orelectronically, to extract information about the target which was illuminated.
• 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.

HISTRY OF REMOTE SENSING:

1839 - first photograph
1858 - first photo from a balloon1903 - first plane
1909 first photo from a plane1903-4 -B/W infrared filmWW I and WW II1960 – space

Passive/ Active Remote Sensing

Depending on the source of electromagnetic energy, remote sensing can be classified as passive or
active remote sensing.
In the case of passive remote sensing, sources of energy is naturally available such as the
Sun. Most of the remote sensing systems work in passive mode using solar energy as the sourceof
EMR. Solar energy reflected by the targets at specific wavelength bands are recorded usingsensors
on board air-borne or space borne platforms.

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To ensure ample signal strength received at the sensor, wavelength / energy bands capable of
traversing through the atmosphere,without significant loss through atmospheric interactions, are
generally used in remote sensingAny object which is at a temperature above 0o K (Kelvin) emits
some radiation, which is approximately proportional to the fourth power of the temperature of the
object.
Thus, the Earthalso emits some radiation since its ambient temperature is about 300o K.
Passive sensors can also be used to measure the Earth ‘s radiance but they are not very popular as
the energy contentis very low.
In the case of active remote sensing, energy is generated and sent from the remote sensing
platform towards the targets. The energy reflected from the targets are recorded using sensors on
board the remote sensing platform. Most of the microwave remote sensing is done through active
remote sensing.
As a simple analogy, passive remote sensing is similar to taking a picture with an ordinary
camera whereas active remote sensing is analogous to taking a picture with camera having built-
in flash.

What is Sensor Platform?

Platform is a stage where sensor or camera is mounted to acquire information about a target
under investigation. According to Lillesand and Kiefer (2000), a platform is a vehicle, from which
a sensor can beoperated. For remote sensing applications, sensors should be mounted on suitable
stable platforms as the platform height increases the spatial resolution and observational area
increases.
The types or characteristics of platform depend on the type of sensor to be attached and
itsapplication.

Type of Platforms:
Platforms can vary from stepladders to satellites. There are different types of platforms based
on their altitude above earth surface. Three types of platforms are used to mount the remote
sensors.

1. Ground based Platform

2. Air - borne Platform, and
3. Space-borne Platform Ground based Platforms:

Ground Based Platform:

• Ground based platforms are used to record detailed information about the objects or
features of the earth’s surface. CEC348 - REMOTE SENSING / ECE
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• These are developed for the scientific understanding on the signal-object and signal-
sensor interactions.
• It includes both the laboratory and field study, used for both in designing sensors and
identification and characterization of land features.
• Example: Handheld platform, cherry picker, towers, portable masts and vehicles etc.
• Portable handheld photographic cameras and spectroradiometers are largely used in
laboratory and field experiments as a reference data and ground truth verification.
• Crane, ground based platform (cherry Picker Platform extend up to approx. 15m).
Air- borne/ based Platforms:
• Airborne platforms were the sole non-ground-based platforms for early remote sensing
work.
• Aircraft remote sensing system may also be referred to as sub-orbital or airborne, or
aerial remote sensing system.
• At present, airplanes are the most common airborne platform.
• observation platforms include balloons, drones (short sky spy) and high-altitudesounding
rockets. Helicopters are occasionally used.
Balloons:
• Balloons are used for remote sensing observation (aerial photography) and nature
conservation studies.
• The first aerial images were acquired with a camera carried aloft by a balloon in 1859.
• Balloon floats at a constant height of about 30 km.
• Balloons as platforms are not very expensive like aircraft. They have a great variety of
shapes, sizes and performance capabilities.
• The balloons have low acceleration, require no power and exhibit low vibrations.
• It consists of a rigid circular base plate for supporting the entire sensor system which is
protected by an insulating and shock proof light casing.
• The payload used for Indian balloon experiment of three Hasselblad cameras with different
film filter combinations, to provide PAN, infra-red, black, and white and infra-red false
color images.
• Flight altitude being high compared to normal aircraft height used for aerial survey,
balloon imagery gives larger synoptic views.
• The balloon is governed by the wind at a floating altitude.
• There are three main types of balloon systems, viz. free balloons, Tethered balloons, and
Powered Balloons.
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• Free balloons can reach almost the top of the atmosphere; hence, they can provide a
platform at intermediate altitude between those of aircraft and spacecraft (shown in fig.)
• Have an altitude range of 22-40 km and can be used to a limited extent as a platform.
Drone:
• Drone is a miniature remotely piloted aircraft.
• It is designed to fulfill requirements for a low- c o s t platform, with long endurance,
moderate payload capacity and capability to operate without a runway or small runway.
• Drone includes equipment of photography, infrared detection, radar observation andTV
surveillance. It uses satellite communication link.
• An onboard computer controls the payload and stores data from different sensors and
instruments.
Aircraft Platform:
• Aircraft are used to collect very detailed images.
• Helicopters can be for pinpoint locations, but they vibrate and lacks stability.
• Special aircraft with cameras and sensors on vibration less platforms are traditionally used
to acquire aerial photographs and images of land surface features.
• While low altitude aerial photography results in large scale images providing detailed
information on the terrain, the high-altitude smaller scale images offer advantage to cover
a larger study area with low spatial resolution.

• Aircraft platforms offer an economical method of remote sensing data collection for
small to large study areas with cameras, electronic imagers, across- track and along- track
scanners, and radar and microwave scanners.
• Low Altitude Aircraft: It is most widely used and generally operates below 30,000 ft.
• It is suitable for obtaining image data for small areas having large scale.
• High altitude aircraft: It includes jet aircraft with good rate of climb, maximum speed,and
high operating ceiling. It acquires imagery for large areas.
Rockets as Platforms:
• High altitude sounding rocket platforms are useful in assessing the reliability of the remote
sensing techniques as regards their dependence on the distance from the target is
concerned.
• Balloons have a maximum altitude of approximately 37 km, while satellites cannot orbit
below 120 km. High altitude sounding rockets can be used to a moderate altitude above
terrain.
• Synoptic imagery can be obtained from rockets for CEC348 - REMOTE
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Space-borne/ based Platforms:

• In space- borne remote sensing, sensors are mounted on-board a spacecraft (space
shuttle or satellite) orbiting the earth.
• Space-borne or satellite platform are onetime cost effected but relatively lower cost perunit
area of coverage, can acquire imagery of entire earth without taking permission.
• Space-borne imaging ranges from altitude 250 km to 36000 km.
• Space-borne remote sensing provides the following advantages:large area coverage.
• Frequent and repetitive coverage of an area of interest.
• Quantitative measurement of ground features using radiometrically calibrated sensors.
• Semi-automated computerized processing and analysis.
• Relatively lower cost per unit area of [Link] as Platform:
• Remote sensing is also conducted from the space shuttle or artificial satellites. Artificial
satellites are manmade objects, which revolve around another object.
• Satellite can cover much more land space than planes and can monitor areas on a regular
basis.
• Later, with LANDSAT and SPOT satellites program, space photography received ahigher
impetus.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
The first requirement for remote sensing is to have an energy source to illuminate the
target(unless the sensed energy is being emitted by the target). This energy is in the form of
electromagnetic radiation. All electromagnetic radiation has fundamental properties and behaves
in predictable ways according to the basics of wave theory.
Electromagnetic radiation consists of an electrical field (E) which varies in magnitude in
a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the radiation is traveling, and a magnetic field
(M) oriented at right angles to the electrical field. Both these fields travel at the speed of
light (c). Two characteristics of electromagnetic radiation are particularly important to understand
remote sensing. These are the wavelength and frequency.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) as an electromagnetic wave that travels through space at
the speed of light C which is 3x108 meters per second.
Theoretical models of random media including the anisotropic effects, random distribution
discrete scatters, rough surface effects, have been studied for remote sensing with electromagnetic
waves. Ligh t - can be thought of as a wave in the 'electromagnetic field ' of the universe.

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Wavelength

Frequency

Fig 1.2 – Wavelength and frequency

A wave can be characterized by its wavelength or its frequency. The wavelength is the length
of one wave cycle, which can be measured as the distance between successive wave crests.
Wavelength is usually represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ). Wavelength is measured in
meters (m) or some factor of meters such as nanometers (nm, 10-9 meters), micrometers (μm, 10-
6 meters) (μm, 10-6 meters) or centimeters (cm, 10-2 meters).Frequency refers to the number of
cycles of a wave passing a fixed point per unit of time. Frequency is normally measured in hertz
(Hz), equivalent to one cycle per second, and variousmultiples of hertz.

Wavelength and frequency are related by the following formula:

Therefore, the two are inversely related to each other. The shorter the wavelength, the higher
the frequency. The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency. Understanding the
characteristics of electromagnetic radiation in terms of their wavelength and frequency is crucial
to understanding the information to be extracted from remote sensing data.
The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from the shorter wavelengths (including gamma and
x- rays) to the longer wavelengths (including microwaves and broadcast radio waves). There are
several regions of the electromagnetic spectrum which are useful for remote sensing.

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Fig 3 – Electromagnetic Spectrum

WAVELENGTH REGIONS IMPORTANT TO REMOTE SENSING:

Ultraviolet or UV

For the most purposes ultraviolet or UV of the spectrum shortest wavelengths are practical
forremote sensing. This wavelength is beyond the violet portion of the visible wavelengths hence
itnames. Some earth surface materials primarily rocks and materials emit visible radiation when
illuminated by UV radiation.

Visible Spectrum
The light which our eyes - our "remote sensors" - can detect is part of the visible spectrum.
Itis important to recognize how small the visible portion is relative to the rest of the spectrum.
There is a lot of radiation around us which is “invisible" to our eyes but can be detected by other
remote sensing instruments and used to our advantage. The visible wavelengths cover a range
from approximately 0.4 to 0.7 μm. The longest visible wavelength is red and the shortestis violet.
Common wavelengths of what we perceive as particular colors from the visible portion of the
spectrum are listed below. It is important to note that this is the only portion of the spectrum we
can associate with the concept of colors.

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Violet: 0.4 -0.446 μm

Blue: 0.446 -0.500 μm

Green: 0.500 -0.578 μm

Yellow: 0.578 -0.592 μm

Orange: 0.592 -0.620 μm

Red: 0.620 -0.7 μm

Blue, green, and red are the primary colors or wavelengths of the visible spectrum. They
aredefined as such because no single primary color can be created from the other two, but all other
colors can be formed by combining blue, green, and red in various proportions. Althoughwe see
sunlight as a uniform or homogeneous color, it is composed of various wavelengths of radiation
in primarily the ultraviolet, visible and infrared portions of the spectrum. The visible portion of
this radiation can be shown in its component colors when sunlight is passed through a prism,
which bends the light in differing amounts according to wavelength.

Infrared (IR)

The next portion of the spectrum of interest is the infrared (IR) region which covers the
wavelength range from approximately 0.7 μm to 100 μm more than 100 times as wide as the
visible portion. The infrared can be divided into 3 categories based on their radiation properties-
the reflected near- IR middle IR and thermal IR.
The reflected near IR covers wavelengths from approximately 0.7 μm to 1.3 μm is commonly
used to expose black and white and color-infrared sensitive film.
The middle-infrared region includes energy with a wavelength of 1.3 to 3.0 μm.
The thermal IR region is quite different than the visible and reflected IR portions, as this energyis
essentially the radiation that is emitted from the Earth's surface in the form of heat. The thermal
IR covers wavelengths from approximately 3.0 μm to 100 μm.

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Microwave

This wavelength (or frequency) interval in the electromagnetic spectrum is commonly

referredto as a band, channel, or region. The major subdivision
The portion of the spectrum of more recent interest to remote sensing is the microwave region
from about 1 mm to 1 m. This covers the longest wavelengths used for remote sensing. The shorter
wavelengths have properties similar to the thermal infrared region while the longer wavelengths
approach the wavelengths used for radiobroadcasts.

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WAVE THEORY AND PARRTICAL THEORY

Light can exhibit both a wave theory, and a particle theory at the same time. Much of the
time,light behaves like a wave. Light waves are also called electromagnetic waves because they
are made up of both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. Electromagnetic fields oscillate
perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, and perpendicular to each other. Light waves are
known as transverse waves as they oscillate in the direction traverse to the direction of wave
travel.

Fig 1.4 – Electromagnetic propagation

Waves have two important characteristics - wavelength and frequency.
The sine wave is the fundamental waveform in nature. When dealing with light waves, we
referto the sine wave. The period (T) of the waveform is one full 0-to-360-degree sweep. The
relationship of frequency and the period is given by the equation:
f = 1 / TT = 1 / f
The waveforms are always in the time domain and go on for infinity. The speed of a wave can be
found by multiplying the two units together. The wave's speed is measured in units of length
(distance) per second:
Wavelength x Frequency = Speed
As proposed by Einstein, light is composed of photons, a very small packets of energy. The reason
that photons are able to travel at light speeds is due to the fact that they have no mass and therefore,
Einstein's infamous equation - E=MC2 cannot be used. Another formula devisedby Planck, is used
to describe the relation between photon energy and frequency - Planck's
Constant (h) - 6.63x10-34 Joule-Second. E = hf(or)E = hc

E is the photonic energy in Joules, h is Planks constant and f is the frequency in Hz.

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PARTICAL THEORY
The basic idea of quantum theory is that radiant energy is transmitted in indivisible
packetswhose energy is given in integral parts, of size hv, where h is Planck's constant =
6.6252 x 10-34 J - s, and v is the frequency of the radiation. These are called quanta or
photons.

The dilemma of the simultaneous wave and particle waves of electromagnetic energy may
be conceptually resolved by considering that energy is not supplied continuously throughout a
wave, but rather that it is carried by photons. The classical wave theory does not give the intensity
of energy at a point in space but gives the probability of finding a photon at that [Link], the
classical concept of a wave yields to the idea that a wave simply describes the probability path for
the motion of the individual photons.
The particular importance of the quantum approach for remote sensing is that it provides the
concept of discrete energy levels in materials. The values and arrangement of these levels are
different for different materials. Information about a given material is thus available in
electromagnetic radiation because of transitions between these energy levels. A transition to a
higher energy level is caused by the absorption of energy, or from a higher to a lower energy level
is caused by the' emission of energy. The amounts of energy either absorbedor emitted correspond
precisely to the energy difference between the two levels involved in thetransition. Because the
energy levels are different for each material, the amount of energy a particular substance can
absorb or emit is different for that material from any other materials. Consequently, the position
and intensities of the bands in the spectrum of a given material are characteristic to that material.

STEFAN–BOLTZMANN LAW
Stefan–Boltzmann law, also known as Stefan's law, describes the power radiated from a
blackbody in terms of its temperature. Specifically, the Stefan–Boltzmann law states that the total
energy radiated per unit surface area of a black body across all wavelengths per unit time (also
known as the black-body radiant exitance or emissive power), isdirectly proportional to the fourth
power of the black body's thermodynamic temperature T:

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WIEN'S DISPLACEMENT
E LAW
Wien's displacement law
u states that the black body radiation curve for different temperatures
peaks at a wavelength inversely proportional to the temperature. The shift of that peak is a
direct consequence of the Planck radiation law which describes the spectralbrightness of black
body radiation as a function of wavelength at any given temperature.

PLANCK’S LAW

Planck developed that more general equation and described the entire shift of the spectrum
ofblack body radiation toward shorter wavelengths as temperature increases.
Formally, Wien's displacement law states that the spectral radiance of black body radiationper
unit wavelength, peaks at the wavelength λmax given by:

where T is the absolute temperature in degrees kelvin. b is a constant of proportionality called

Wien's displacement constant, equal to 2.8977721(26)×10−3 mK.[1], or more conveniently to
obtain wavelength in microns, b≈2900 μm K.
If one is considering the peak of black body emission per unit frequency r per proportional
bandwidth, one must use a different proportionality constant. However, the form of the law remains
the same: the peak wavelength is inversely proportional to temperature (or the peak frequency is
directly proportional to temperature).Wien's displacement law may be referred to as "Wien's law",
a term which is also used for the Wien approximation.

Blackbody Radiation
A blackbody is a hypothetical, ideal radiator. It absorbs and reemits the entire energy incident
upon [Link] energy emitted by a black body varies with temperature as given in Eq. 4. The total
energy is distributed over different wavelengths, which is called the spectral distribution or spectral
curvehere. Area under the spectral curve gives the total radiant exitance M.
In addition to the total energy, the spectral distribution also varies with the temperature. Fig.
4 shows the spectral distribution of the energy radiated from black bodies at different temperatures.
The figure represents the Stefan-Boltzmann‘s law graphically. As the temperature increases, area
under the curve, and hence the total radiant exitance increases.

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Figure5. Spectral energy distribution of blackbody at various temperatures

From Fig. 4, it can be observed that the peak of the radiant exitance varies with
wavelength. As the temperature increases, the peak shifts towards the left. This is
explained by the Wien‘s displacement law. It states that the dominant wavelength at
which a black body radiates λm is Inversely proportional to the absolute temperature
of the black body (in K) and is represented asgiven below.

RADIATION SOURCES
Remote sensing involves the use of various technologies to gather information about
the Earth's surface and atmosphere from a distance. Radiation sources are crucial components
in remote sensing, as they emit or reflect electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by
sensors to gather information about the Earth's features and properties. Here are some common
radiation sources used in remote sensing.

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Sunlight (Solar Radiation):

The Sun is the primary natural radiation source for remote sensing. Sunlight emits a
broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet
wavelengths. Sensors onboard satellites and other remote sensing platforms capture this solar
radiation reflected or emitted by Earth's surface and atmosphere.
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar):
SAR systems emit microwave radiation towards the Earth's surface. The emitted
radiation interacts with the surface, and the reflected signal is captured by the sensor. SAR can
operate in various modes, such as single-pass, repeat-pass, and interferometric modes,
providing valuable information about surface characteristics, topography, and changes over
time.
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging):
Lidar systems emit laser pulses towards the Earth's surface and measure the time it takes
for the laser to return after reflecting off objects. This information is used to create detailed 3D
maps of the terrain, vegetation, buildings, and other features. Lidar is commonly used for forest
monitoring, topographic mapping, and urban planning.
Passive Microwave Radiation:
Microwave radiation is emitted by the Earth's surface in the form of thermal radiation.
Sensors can detect these microwave emissions to study soil moisture, ice cover, and ocean
salinity, among other parameters. Passive microwave sensors can operate in different frequency
bands to capture specific information.
Artificial sources (Active sources):
In some cases, remote sensing platforms carry their own radiation sources. These active
sensors emit radiation and measure the reflected or backscattered signal. For example, some
satellite altimeters emit radar signals that bounce off the ocean surface to measure sea level
changes.
Infrared Emission (Thermal Infrared):
All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal infrared radiation.
Sensors that detect thermal infrared radiation can capture information about surface
temperature, energy balance, and thermal properties of various materials.
Hyperspectral Imaging:
Hyperspectral sensors capture electromagnetic radiation in numerous narrow and
contiguous spectral bands. This allows for the identification and differentiation of various
materials based on their unique spectral signatures. Hyperspectral data is valuable for

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applications like mineral exploration, land cover classification, and environmental monitoring.

X-Ray and Gamma Ray Sensors:

In some specialized applications, X-ray and gamma-ray sensors are used to detect
radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. These sensors can provide information about soil
composition, minerals, and even detect radioactive sources.
Magnetometers:
While not emitting radiation themselves, magnetometers are used to measure the Earth's
magnetic field. Variations in the magnetic field can provide information about subsurface
structures, mineral deposits, and geological formations.
These various radiation sources and sensors contribute to a comprehensive understanding of
the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and processes. They enable scientists and researchers to study
and monitor changes in the environment, natural disasters, climate patterns, and much more
from a remote perspective.

KIRCHOFF’S LAW:
Kirchhoff's law of thermal radiation, often referred to as Kirchhoff's law in remote
sensing, is an important principle used to understand the relationship between the emissivity
and absorptivity of a material at a particular wavelength. This law is relevant in the context of
thermal remote sensing, where the emitted thermal radiation from the Earth's surface is
measured to extract information about surface properties.
Kirchhoff's law states that at thermal equilibrium, the emissivity (ε) of a material is
equal to its absorptivity (α) at a given wavelength. In mathematical terms:
ε(λ) = α(λ)
Where:
ε(λ) is the emissivity of the material at wavelength λ.
α(λ) is the absorptivity of the material at wavelength λ.

RADIATION QUANTITIES:
In the context of remote sensing and the study of electromagnetic radiation, there are
several fundamental radiation quantities that are commonly used to describe the characteristics
and behavior of electromagnetic waves. These quantities help us understand the properties of
radiation and how it interacts with various materials and surfaces. Here are some important
radiation quantities:

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Radiant flux (Power):

Radiant flux, often referred to simply as power, is the total amount of energy emitted by a
radiation source per unit time. It is measured in watts (W).

Radiant intensity:
Radiant intensity is the amount of radiant flux emitted by a point source in a particular direction
within a solid angle. It is measured in watts per steradian (W/sr).

Radiance:
Radiance is the radiant flux emitted or reflected by a surface per unit area, per unit solid angle,
and per unit wavelength interval. It describes the intensity of radiation from a surface in a
specific direction. Radiance is measured in watts per square meter per steradian per nanometer
(W/(m²·sr·nm)).

Irradiance:
Irradiance is the radiant flux incident on a unit area of a surface. It quantifies the power received
by a surface per unit area. Irradiance is measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).

Radiosity:
Radiosity is the total radiant flux emitted by a surface per unit area and is the sum of the emitted
radiance and the reflected irradiance. It is often used in radiative heat transfer calculations.

Exitance (Emittance):
Exitance, also known as emittance, is the radiant flux emitted by a surface per unit area. It is
similar to irradiance, but it accounts for both emitted and reflected radiation.

Reflectance:
Reflectance is the ratio of the radiant flux reflected by a surface to the incident radiant flux
upon it. It is a dimensionless quantity often expressed as a percentage.

Transmittance:
Transmittance is the ratio of the transmitted radiant flux through a medium (such as atmosphere

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or water) to the incident radiant flux upon the medium.

Absorptance:
Absorptance is the ratio of the absorbed radiant flux by a surface to the incident radiant flux
upon it. It is complementary to reflectance and transmittance.

Emissivity:
Emissivity is the ratio of the radiant flux emitted by a surface to the radiant flux emitted by a
blackbody.

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