3. What is ‘remote sensing’?
"The use of electronic sensors (or photography) to
acquire data related to the electromagnetic
spectrum in formats that can be analyzed
numerically and/or that result in images (pictures)
of objects/scenes located in the field of view, all of
which can then be applied to the study of the
land, sea, air and biotic communities that comprise
Earth's environments, as well as the principal means
for obtaining a deep understanding of the vital role
remote sensing plays in exploring the planets and
observing the stars and galaxies well out into the
Cosmos."
4. Shorter definition
• Remote sensing is the collection of
information about an object or system
without coming into direct physical
contact with it
• Art or science???
6. By the end of the term you will be able to:
• 1. Define and describe remote sensing and explain
its applications and history.
• 2. Define and describe basics of electromagnetic
spectrum and interactions with various types of
media.
• 3. Describe sensors and image acquisition methods.
• 4. Analyze and explain remote sensing purposes,
advantages, and limitations.
• 5. Describe basic characteristics of remote sensing
imagery.
• 6. Describe industry-specific image sources, acquire
images and apply digital imaging techniques
appropriate for an industry-specific project.
7. How will your earn your grade?
• Lab exercises
• Midterm
• Student Project
8. Student Project
Remote sensing application relevant to your area
of interest
Part I: Submit a short, 1-page proposal
Part II: Present a Powerpoint Presentation of your
project
We will have a conference style presentation
of student projects
ALL ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND (THIS IS
PART OF YOUR FINAL EXAM GRADE)
9. Topics we will cover:
Physical principles
How satellites and sensors work
Types of sensors: Optical
Thermal
Passive microwave
Active microwave
Lidar and altimetry
Applications: Vegetation mapping and assessment
Land cover/land use change
Water (oceans, lakes, rivers, snow/ice)
Soils, minerals, and geomorphology
Urban and societal applications
11. What is ‘remote sensing’?
Remote sensing involves the use of instruments
or sensors to "capture" the spectral and spatial
relations of objects and materials observable at
a distance - typically from above them.
12. What is ‘remote sensing’?
Remote sensing is the process of acquiring
data/information about objects/substances not
in direct contact with the sensor, by gathering its
inputs using electromagnetic
radiation, acoustical waves, or force fields that
emanate from the targets of interest.
13. What is ‘remote sensing’?
An aerial photograph is a common example of a
remotely sensed (by camera and film, or now
digital product.
14. Why do we do remote sensing?
• Unobtrusive
• Automated
• Useful for extreme conditions
• Offers excellent spatial and temporal
coverage
• Provides real time or near-real time
observations
• Often cost-effective
• Extends our senses
16. Remote Sensing Systems
• Active Sensor - illuminates the subject from an
artificial energy source
• Passive Sensor - uses natural radiation from
the Sun or other emitted signal
• Imaging Sensor - creates a “picture” by
scanning across a linear array of detectors
while the array moves through space
• Non-imaging Sensor - measures along a
transect or at a point
17. REMOTE SENSING DATA TYPES
Visible, infrared, thermal, and microwave are most common
18. The Remote Sensing Cycle
Development Sensor
Assessment Data
Information
Processing
Data
Interpretation
Analysis
19. The Remote Sensing Cycle
Development Sensor
Assessment Data
Information
Processing
Data
Interpretation
Analysis
23. Mapping Flooding in New Orleans
Lidar-derived water depths superimposed
over a high resolution SPOT image
24. Fire Mapping
Thermal channels are
used to map the location
and
strength of active fires,
and burned area
extent.
Vegetation maps provide
information about fire
dynamics
Magpie Fire Burn Smoke plumes are
Scar Yellowstone
tracked for health
NP, August 2006
monitoring
25. Breakup of the Larsen B Ice Shelf
MODIS
imagery fro
January 31,
March 6, 20
Courtesy of Ted Scambos, NSIDC
