Q)Discuss the properties of ldeal Remote Sensing(6 marks)
Ans:ldeal remote sensing involves several key properties to ensure acCurate ano
data acquisition: ee
SpatialResolution: An ideal remote sensing sVstem should have high spatial resolution,
dilowing it to distinguish and capture fine details on the Earth's surface. This is crucial tor
applications such as urban planning, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
spectral Resolution:The system should possess a wide range of spectral bands to capture
Information across various wavelengths. This enables the differentiation of differentt surace
materials and facilitates detailed analysis of vegetation, water bodies, and other features.
Temporal Resolution: ldeal remote sensing systems should have frequent revisit times,
ensuring the ability tocapture changes over time. This is particularly important tor
monitoring dynamic phenomena like crop growth, natural disasters, and land-use changes.
Radiometric Resolution: Ahigh radiometric resolution is essential for accurately measuring
and representing the variations inelectromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by the
Earth's surface. This helps in distinguishing subtle differences in surface features.
Geometric Accuracy: The system should provide precise geometric information, ensuring
that the spatial relationships between features are accurately represented. This is crucial for
mapping and monitoring applications where precise location data is required.
Cost-Effectiveness: An ideal remote sensing system should strike a balance between
performance and cost. It should provide the necessary capabilities without being
prohibitively expensive, making it accessible for a wide range of applications and users.
These properties collectively contribute to the effectiveness of remote sensing in
applications ranging from environmental monitoring and resource management to disaster
response and urban planning.
Q)What is atmospheric window?Why it is important for Remote Sensing?(5 marks)
Ans:The atmospheric window refers to specific wavelength ranges within the
electromagnetic spectrum where Earth's atmosphere allows relatively high transmission of
electromagnetic radiation. These regions typically coincid with valleys in the absorption
spectrum of atmospheric gases. The main atmospheric windows are in the visible, near
infrared, and microwave portions of the spectrum.
These windows are crucial for remote sensing because they enable sensors to receive and
collect data with minimal interference from atmospheric constituents. By focusing on these
transmission bands, remote sensing instruments can capture clearer and more accurate
various
information about the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This is essential for
environmental
applications such as satellite imagery, weather monitoring, and
as it facilitates
[Link] summary, the atmospheric window is vital for remote sensing
gather valuable
the unimpeded passage of electromagnetic radiation, alowing sensors to
data for scientific, environmental, and practical purposes.
Name Srab Baruah
Ralno R003 Io00100 5
Sem
[Link] orbit and orbital period, Describe different types of orbits used in remote
sensing.
Ans:
Orbit:
An orbit is the path that an obiect takes as it revolves around another object due to gravitational
attraction. This can happen on various scales, from moons orbiting planets to planets orbiting stars
to galaxies orbiting galactic centers.
Orbital period:
The orbital period is the amount of time it takes for an object to complete one full orbit around
another object. This is measured in units of time, like hours, days, years, etc.
In remote sensing, various types of orbits are utilized to ensure comprehensive
coverage of the Earth's surface. These orbits include:
Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
ldeal for continuous monitoring of specific regions, such as weather observation, environmental
monitoring, and communication. GEO satellites remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface,
providing uninterrupted coverage of a fixed area.
Polar Orbit:
Provides global coverage over time by passing over the Earth's poles on each orbit. Commonly
used for Earth observation, mapping,environmental monitoring, and studying climate change.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSo):
Ensures consistent lighting conditions by passing over the Earth's surface at the same local solar
time on each orbit. Suitable for tasks like land imaging, vegetation monitoring, mapping,and
monitoring changes in the Earth's surface over time.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
Offers relatively close observation of the Earth's surface at altitudes below 2,000 kilometers.
Commonlyused for high-resolution Earth observation, remote sensing, reconnaissance, and
monitoring dynamic processes such as weather patterns and natural disasters.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO):
between LEO and GEO.
Balances coverage and communication latency by orbiting at altitudes
provide global
Navigation satellites, such as those used in GPS, often operate in MEO to
positioning and timing services.
Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO):
observations at various
Provides extended coverage over high-latitude regions and allows for
and monitoring
altitudes, Used for communication, remote sensing over polar regions,
phenomena such as auroras and geomagnetic storms.
2. Write down some characteristics of sun-synchronous orbits,geostat"nary orbit
and polar or near polar orbit.
Ans;
Characteristics of Sun-synchronous Orbits (SSo):
a) Altitude: Typicallyrange from 600 to 800 km above Earth. Lower than geostationary orbits
(GEO)but higher than some polar orbits.
b) Inclination: Highly inclined, around 98 degrees relative to the equator.
c) Global coverage: Due to its polar nature, the satellite can eventually observe all points on
Earth.
d) Sun Synchronization: satellite crosses the equator at approximately the same local time
every day.
e) High revisit frequency: Depending on altitude and specific characteristics, it can revisit the
same location multiple times per day.
Characteristics of Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
a) Fixed Position: Satellitesin GEO maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface,
appearing stationary from the ground.
b) High Altitude: They orbit the Earth above the equator at a distance of approximately
35,786 kilometers.
c) Continuous Coverage: GEO satellites provide continuous coverage of a specific region,
making them ideal for applications such as weather observation, communication, and
environmental monitoring.
d) Equatorial Orbit: GEO satellites orbit above the equator with zero inclination, meaning
they follow the same path as the Earth's rotation, completing one orbit in approximately
24 hours.
e) High Communication Reliability: GEO satellites are commonly used for
telecommunications because of their fixed position relative to the Earth, enabling
uninterrupted communication services.
Characteristics of Polar Orbit:
a) Low Altitude: Polar orbiting satellites typically operate at lower altitudes compared to GtO
satellites, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand kilometers above the
Earth's surface.
b) Shorter Revisit Time: Compared to GEO satellites, polar orbiting satellites have snorte
revisit times for a given location on the Earth's surface
c) Inclination: High inclination (near 90 degrees), traveling over the poles.
d) Global Coverage: Satellites in polar orbit pass over the Earth's poles on each orbit,
providing global coverage over time.
e) Versatile Applications: Polar orbiting satellites are used for a variety of applications,
including Earth observation, environmental monitoring, mapping, climate studies, and
scientificresearch.
3. Define apogee and perigee. Describe geostationary orbit and polar orbit.
Ans.
Apogee
Apogee is the point in the orbit where the satellite is at maximum distance from the Earth.
Perigee
Perigee is the point in the orbit where the satellite is nearest to the Earth.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
plane of
Satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) orbit the Earth directly above the equator in the
as the Earth's rotation,
the Earth's rotation. They move in the same direction and at the same rate
completing one orbit approximately every 24 hours. This results in the satellites appearing
altitude of
stationary relative to a fixed point on the Earth's surface. GEO satellites orbit at an
approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's surface. GEO satellites are
commonly used for telecommunications, broadcasting, weather monitoring, environmental
observation, and surveillance due to their ability to maintain constant communication with ground
stations and provide uninterrupted coverage of specific regions. GEO satellites provide continuous
coverage of a fixed region of the Earth's surface. Due to their fixed position relative to the Earth.
they can monitor specific areas without interruption, making them ideal for applications such as
weather observation, communication, and broadcasting.
Polar Orbit:
Satellites in Polar Orbit pass over the Earth's poles on each orbit. They travel from pole to pole,
crossing the equator at different points on each orbit. Polar orbiting satellites move in a north
south direction relative to the Earth's surface. Polar orbiting satellites typically operate at lower
altitudes compared to GEO satellites, usually ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand
kilometers above the Earth'ssurface. Polar orbiting satellites provide global coverage over time as
they orbit the Earth,systematically observing different latitudes on each pass. Polar orbiting
satellites are used for a wide range of applications, including Earth observation,environmental
monitoring, mapping, climate studies, scientific research, and surveillance.
Kausha Sag
Q3. Describe Spatial and Radiometric resolution. (7marks)
Ans- Spatialresolution is a measure of the area or size of the smallest dimension
on the Earth's surface over which an independent measurement can be
made by the sensor. It is expressed by the size of the pixel on the ground in
meters. Higher spatial resolution provides finer details, suitable for tasks
like urban planning. There's a trade-off with spectral and temporal
resolutions. Different satellites and sensors have varying spatial
resolutions, afecting pixel size and Ground Sampling Distance. The choice
of spatial resolution depends on application-specific needs, and it's
essential to consider factors like data storage, atmospheric conditions, and
the platform used for data acquisition.
Radiometric resolution of a sensor is a measure of how
many grey levels are measured between pure black (no reflectance) to pure
white. In other words, radiometric resolution represents the sensitivity of
the sensor to the magnitude of the electromagnetic energy. Radiometric
resolution is measured in bits. The finer the radiometric resolution of a
sensor the more sensitive it is to detecting small differences in reflected or
emitted energy or in other words the system can measure agreater number
of grey levels.
06. What is Radiometric Resolution? Describe briefly. (Smarks 2021)
Ans Radiometric resolution of a sensor is a measure of how many grey
levels are measured between pure black (no reflectance) to pure white. In
other words, radiometric resolution represents the sensitivity of the sensor
to the magnitude of the electromagnetic energy. Radiometric resolution is
measured in bits. The finer the radiomnetric resolution of a sensor the more
sensitive it is to detecting Small differences in reflected or emitted
or in other energy
words the system can measure a greater number of grey levels.
Each bit records an exponent ofpower 2(e.g. I bit =2'=2). The
maximum
number of brightness levels available depends on the number of bits used
In representing the recorded energy. Thus, ifa sensor used 11 bits to record
the data, there would be 2!!=2048 digital values available,
ranging from 0
to 2047. However, if only 8 bits were used, then only
2=256 values
ranging from 0 to 255 would be available. Thus, the
radiometric resolution
would be much less.
Q8. What is the recent satellite of
INSAT program? Mention 2 high resolution
Remote Sensing System. (3marks 2021)
Ans- The recent one in the
INSAT program, GSAT-10 was
September 2012. launched in
Two high resolution Remote
Sensing System are:
" IKONOS
QuickBird
09. Write the basic
principle involved in remote sensing of
Mention the generated procesS and earth's resources.
Write the equation of Wein's elements involved remote sensing.
in
displacement law and explain. (15 marks)
Ans The basic Principle
is
involved in remote sensing of earth's
electromagnetic radiation which is either emitted or resources
Earth's surface. reflected by the
Generated process and elements involved in
remote sensing are:
o Emission of electromagnetic radiation:
The Sun or an EMR source located on the platform
o Transmission of energy from the source to theobject:
Absorption and scattering of the EMR while transmission
o Interaction of EMR with the object and subsequent reflection and emission
o Transmission of energy from the object to the sensor
Recording of energy by the sensor:
Photographic or non-photographic sensors
ground station
o Transmission of the recorded information to the
Processing of the data into digitalor hard copy image
o Analysis of data
dominant wavelength at
Wein's displacement law states that the
proportional to the absolute
which a black body radiates Am is inversely
temperature of the black body (in K)
law is -
The equation of Wein's displacement
Am =A/T
Sun's temperature
where A is a constant, which is equalto 2898 um K. The
observed that the visible
is around 6000 K, and from the figure it can be
the radiance
part of the electromagnetic energy (0.4- 0.7 um) dominates in
exitance from the Sun.
SARBANI MANDAL
B Teh, &th Sum
(200310001044)
Q1. Describe how EMR interacts with earth's atmosphere. |2018, 2019, 2021|
Ans:- Once EMR is generated, it is first propagated through the vacuum almost
at the speed of light in vacuum and then through the earth's atmosphere. EMK
passes through the vacuum without having any interaction or modification.
However, while passing through the earth's atmosphere, three different types Or
interactions take place: Absorption, Scattering, Refraction and Retlection.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which radiant energy is absorbed and
converted into other forms of energy. The absorption of the incident radiant energy
may take place in the atmosphere and on the terrain. An absorption band is a range
of wavelengths (or frequencies) in the electromagnetic spectrum within which
radiant energy is absorbed by a substance. The cumulative effect of the absorption
by the various constituents can cause the atmosphere to close down completely in
certain regions of the spectrum. Ozone, carbon dioxide and water vapour are the
three main constituents that absorb radiation.
" Scattering
Atmospheric scattering is the unpredictable diffusion of radiation by
particles in the atmosphere. It occurs when particles or large gas molecules present
from its
in the atmosphere interact with and cause the EMR to be redirected
original path. The amount of scattering depends on several factors including the
wavelength of the radiation, the diameter of particles or gaseous molecules, and the
distance the radiation travels through the atmosphere.
The amount of scattering is inversely
proportional to the fourth power of wavelength of radiation. For example,
ultraviolet light at 0.3 um is scattered approximately 16 times more than red light
The shorter
at 0.6 um. Scattering is responsible for the blue appearance of the sky.
violet and blue wavelengths are most efficiently scattered than the longer green
and red wavelengths. That is why most remote sensing systems avoid detecting and
recording wavelengths in the ultraviolet and blue portions of the spectrum.
Refraction
When EMR encounters substances of di fferent densities, like air and water,
refraction takes place. Refraction refers to the bending of light when it passes from
one medium to another. Refraction occurs because the media are of different
densities and the speed of EMR is different in each medium. The index of
refraction(n) is the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum, c (3 x 10 m/s), to the
speed of light in a substance such as the atmosphere or water, Cn i
n= e+ Cn
Refraction can be described by Snell's law, which states that for a given frequency
of light, the product of the index of refraction and the sine of the angle between the
ray and a line normal to the interface is constant:
n1 sine1 = n2 Sin e2
" Reflection
Reflection is the process whereby radiation bounces off an object like the top
of a cloud or the terrestrial earth. A considerable amount of incident radiant flux
from the sun is reflected from the top of clouds and other materials in the
atmosphere. This results in recording of some extra amount of energy by the sensor
in addition to the reflected energy from the terrain. Blurred images and appearance
of clouds on the imagery are the main products associated with atmospheric
reflection.
[Link] the stages of Remote Sensing with diagram. [2018]
Ans:- The main stages of remote sensing are as follows :
A. Emission of electromagnetic radiation: The Sun or an EMR source
located on the platform
B. Transmission of energy from the source to the object: Absorption and
scattering of the EMR while transmission
C. Interaction of EMR with the object and subsequent reflection and
emission.
D. Transmission of energy from the object to the sensor
E. Recording of energy by the sensor: Photographic or non-photograpnie
sensors
F. Transmission of the recorded information to the ground station
G. Processing of the data into digital or hard copy image
H. Analysis of data
Source E
A
D
B H
G KONO
Fig.3 Important stages in remote sensing
9/oz/24
DIMI G10 HAIN
B Tech, 8thSen
(00031001014)
O What is airborme and spaceborne remote sensing? 6 Marks (2018)
Ans: Airborne remote sensing:
Irbone remote sensing is a method of data collection that involves deploying
sensors aboard aircraft or drones to gather information about Earth's surface and atmosphere.
These sensors capture various forms of electromaonetic radiation. including visible lignt,
infrared, and microwave, which can be used to create images and maps of the tetui
vegetation, and other features. Airborne remote sensing provides high spatial resolution
imagery, allowing for detailed observation of smaller areas compared to spaceborne remote
sensing methods. This technique is utilized in a wide range of applications such as
environmental monitoring, land use planning, disaster response, agricultural management,
and geological exploration. The flexibility of airbome platforms enables researchers and
professionals to tailor missions to specific needs and areas of interest, making it a valuable
tool for detailed and targeted data collection. Despite its advantages, airborne remote sensing
can be resOurce-intensive and limited in coverage compared to spaceborne methods, but it
remains an essential tool for obtaining high-resolution data over localized regions and
supporting various scientific, environmental, and commercial endeavors.
Spaceborne remote sensing:
Spaceborne remote sensing involves the deployment of sensors on satellites orbiting
the Earth to collect data about its surface and atmosphere. These satellites orbit at various
altitudes and inclinations, providing global coverage and observing the planet from different
perspectives. Spaceborne sensors capture electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by
the Earth's surface, allowing for the creation of images, maps, and other data products.
Spaceborne remote sensing offers several advantages, including the ability to monitor large
scale phenomena such as weather patterns, climate change, land use dynamics, and natural
disasters. The global coverage provided by spaceborne platforms enables continuous
observation of the Earth's surface, regardless of geographic location or accessibility. While
spaceborne sensors typically have lower spatial resolution compared to airborne platforms.
advancements in satellite technology have led to improvements in resolution and data quality
over tine. Spaceborne remote sensing plays a crucial role in various fields, including
environmental monitoring, agriculture, forestry, urban planning, disaster management, and
national security. Its ability to provide consistent and comprehensive data on a global scale
makes it an invaluable tool for scientific research, policy-making, and decision support.
Despite its advantages, spaceborne remote sensing also faces challenges such as with data
processing and storage, satellite maintenance, and the high initial costs associated
satellite development and launch. However, ongoing technological advancements and
international collaboration continue to enhance the capabilities and accessibility of
spaceborne remote sensing, making it an indispensable tool for understanding and managing
Earth's resources and environment.
O) Illustrate the advantage and disadyantage of remote
sensing? 8 marks (2
Ans: Advantages of Remote Sensing:
1. Wide Coverage: Remote sensing allows for the observation of large areas of the
Earth's Surtace, including remote or inaccessible regions. without the need Tor
physical presence. This capability is especially beneficial for monitoring vast and
diverse landscapes, such as forests, oceans. and polar regions, where
ground-Daseu
observations may be challenging or impractical.
2. Temporal Monitoring: Remote sensing enables regular and consistent monitoring or
changes over time, providing valuable insights into dynamic environmental processes
and phenomena. By acquiring data at regular intervals, it becomes possible to detect
trends, 1dentify patterns, and assess long-term changes in natural and human-made
features, such as land cover, vegetation health, and urban expansion.
3. Multi-Spectral and Multi-Temporal Data: Remote sensing sensors can capture data
across multiple spectral bands and time periods, allowing for the analysis of various
environmental variables and their interactions. This multispectral and multi-temporal
data facilitates the characterization of land cover types, the detection of environmental
disturbances, and the assessment of ecosystem dynamics, leading to more
comprehensive and accurate environmental monitoring and management.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Remote sensing can be more cost-effective than traditional
ground-based methods, particularly for large-scale monitoring projects. By utilizing
satellite or airborne platforms, remote sensing reduces the need for extensive
fieldwork, personnel, and infrastructure, resulting in significant cost savings,
especially for long-term or global-scale monitoring initiatives.
Disadvantages of Remote Sensing:
1. Limited Spatial Resolution: Remote sensing sensors may have limited spatial
resolution, meaning they may not be able to capture fine details or features on the
Earth's surface, particularly for spaceborme platforms operating at high altitudes. This
limitation can affect the accuracy and applicability of remote sensing data for tasks
requiring detailed spatial information, such as mapping small-scale land cover
changes or monitoring individual objects.
2. Dependence on Weather Conditions: Weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog.
availability of
and atmospheric interference can significantly impact the quality and Earth's surface.
remote sensing data. Clouds, in particular, can obstruct the view of the
)llustrate the advantage and disadvantage of remote sensing? 8 marks (2018)
Ans: Advantages of Remote Sensing:
1. Wide Coverage: Remote sensing allows fr the observation of large areas of the
Earth's surface, including remote or inaccessible regions, without the need for
phystcal presence. This capability is especially beneficial for monitoring vast and
diverse landscapes, such as forests, oceans, and polar regions, where ground-based
observations may be challenging or impractical.
2. Temporal Monitoring: Remote sensing enables regular and consistent monitoring of
changes over time, providing valuable insights into dynamic environmental processes
and phenomena. By acquiring data at regular intervals, becomes possible to detect
trends, identify patterns, and assess long-term changes in natural and human-made
features, such as land cover, vegetation health, and urban expansion.
3. Multi-Spectral and Multi-Temporal Data: Remote sensing sensors can capture data
across multiple spectral bands and time periods, allowing for the analysis of various
environmental variables and their interactions. This multispectral and multi-temporal
data facilitates the characterization of landcover types,the detection of environmental
disturbances, and the assessment of ecosystem dynamics, leading to more
comprehensive and accurate environmental monitoring and management.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Remote sensing can be more cost-effective than traditional
ground-based methods, particularly for large-scale monitoring projects. By utilizing
satellite or airborne platforms, remote sensing reduces the need for extensive
fieldwork, personnel, and infrastructure, resulting in _ignificant cost savings,
especially for long-term or global-scale monitoring initiatives.
Disadvantages of Remote Sensing:
1. Limited Spatial Resolution: Remote sensing sensors may have limited spatial
resolution,meaning they may not be able to capture fine details or features on the
Earth's surface, particularly for spacebome platforms operating at high altitudes. This
Iimitation can affect the accuracy and applicability of remote sensing data for tasks
requiring detailed spatial information, such as mapping small-scale land cover
changes or monitoring individual objects.
2. Dependence on Weather Conditions: Weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog.
and atmospheric interference can significantly impact the quality and availability of
remote sensing data. Clouds, in particular, can obstruct the view of the Earth's surface
leading to gaps or interruptions in data collection. Additionally, adverse weatner
conditions may aftect sensor performance and data accuracy, posing challeng
real-time monitoring and emergency response applications.
3. Data Interpretation Challenges: Interpreting remote sensing data requires Speta
knowledge and skills in image processing, analysis, and interpretation. The
complexity of remote sensing data, coupled with the need for advanced algorithms
and techniques, can make data interpretation challenging, especially for users without
suficient training or expertise. Moreover, the integration of remote sensing data with
other geospatial datasets and models may require additional computational resources
and expertise, further complicating the data analysis process.
4. Limited Accessibility and Data Availability: Despite advancements in satellite
technology and data distribution systems, remote sensing data may not always be
readily accessible or available, especially for regions with limited infrastructure or
political constraints. Furthermore, the cost of acquiring commercial remote sensing
data or the restrictions associated with open-access datasets may limit the accessibility
of high-quality data, particularly for researchers, organizations, and stakeholders with
limited financial resources.
By considering these advantages and disadvantages, stakeholders can make informed
decisions regarding the use of remote sensing for various applications, weighing the benefits
challenges of
of wide-area coverage, temporal monitoring, and cost-effectiveness against the
limited spatial resolution, weather dependence, data interpretation, and accessibility.